Barry O'Neill got a great tune out of Russian Regent in The Daily Mirror Hunters Chase over two and a half miles at Down Royal.

The 5/1 shot kept on best after the last to deprive front-running Mourne Paddy (11/4) by three parts of a length.

The heavy ground was a concern as O'Neill confirmed afterwards: "The ground was against him. He's better on good ground but he gave me a good spin and his class got him through."

This was Russian Regent's first track success after four victories 'between the flags'. The nine-year-old son of Moscow Society is trained by Cecil Ross.

It was a further six and a half lengths back to Crude in third at 14/1. Johnnyofcourse was sent off 5/2 favourite for Brian Hamilton and Noel McParlan but he was pulled up before the last.