Top Othe Ra got his head in front in the shadow of the post to land the spoils in the Billecart-Salmon Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.

The stewards were called into action in the two-miler after Charlie Stout ran around in the closing stages, mainly causing interference to the third horse Crossed My Mind

Paul Townend came up the inner and tackled Charlie Stout on the run-in, getting his head down at the right time as the two flashed past the post.

The Tom Mullins-trained gelding recorded a short-head victory at odds of 12/1.

“The ground was too heavy for him in Listowel and his previous run to Lagostovegas was a good run,” said Mullins.

“He's in all year but he has been working well and showing that he was fit and well to come here. Paul gave him a lovely ride.

“He's in the Greatwood but that could be biting off more than we can chew. We'll see and we're after getting that pot and he absolutely owes me nothing.

“It's a pity David wasn't here to ride him but he broke his collarbone.

“His main target will be the Galway Hurdle and he'll have enough weight to get into it now, whether he's good enough

“He's won in Galway a couple of times. He'll get a break after Christmas.”