Tullybeg stretched away up the hill to open his account over timber in the first race at Downpatrick this afternoon.

Gordon Elliott 's charge was sent to post an even-money favourite for the two-mile-six contest having been second to The Shunter at the track last month.

Davy Russell tracked the leaders on the Sholokhov gelding but his backers had a scare when he blundered three from home.

The hotpot soon recovered and travelled well in behind as he looked for a clear run before the final flight.

He got a gap on the inner at the last and was soon in front on landing over the hurdle.

Russell kept his mount up to his work in the closing stages to post a six length victory over front-runner Face The Odds

The winner had unseated at the first at Gowran last week and was adding to a bumper win at Bellewstown in July.

Elliott said: “He’s a grand horse and he’ll do his job. He enjoyed that trip and there is improvement to come. He’ll jump a fence in time.”

(Quotes by Michael Graham)