Downpatrick maiden winner King Kal made a mockery of an opening mark of 105 when bolting up in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

Sent off 7/2 favourite, the joint bottom-weight tracked the leaders before coming through to lead off the home turn. He pricked his ears before the last and went away at his leisure to beat It Could Be You and Esperti by four and a half lengths and a nose.

Brian Hayes, who rode the six-year-old for trainer Colm Murphy, said: “Colm thought he had a good chance. He’s not running a lot of horses but whatever is running seems to be placed or winning. Whenever you get the leg up from him you fancy your chances.

“He’d a nice low weight. There was a bit of hustle and bustle turning in and he got a clearer run than most. He was good and for a first run in a handicap we were delighted with him.”

Quotes from Alan Magee