Windwood Lad and promising jockey Declan Lavery kept up the gallop well to take the two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Down Royal for trainer Michael O’Hare at odds of 8/1.

The duo ran out eight and a half length winners over Fairwood Bob (12/1). Without The Bop (10/1) was three lengths further back in third while Charlie Swift at 10/1 took fourth.

The trainer’s father Barney O’Hare was on hand to welcome the seven-year-old son of Mtoto back in for his wife, the owner Mrs Tracey O'Hare, and he gave a clue to his son’s good training form.

“We got Alan Creighton out from the Equine Centre and he found a problem with our water. I think we’ve won four-on-the-trot which is good form for a stable with eight in training,” Barney O’Hare said. Mullaghwillin Boy was sent off 5/1 favourite but was pulled up. The winner paid £18.10 on the Tote.

Michael Graham