Conditional jockey Eddie O'Connell was the star of the show at Downpatrick, registering a 1529-1 treble.

Arguably the pick of the bunch was his impeccably-timed ride on 33-1 outsider Lake Return in the Britvic NI Beginners Chase.

Detached by around four lengths for most of the first circuit, the exaggerated hold-up tactics payed off handsomely as Pat Flavin's charge swooped after the last to beat Closesthingtocrazy by a length and a half.

O'Connell had earlier demonstrated a never-say-die attitide when guiding Breeze With Ease (8-1) to victory in the Premier Bakeries Handicap Hurdle.< Market Watcher looked a certain winner when sweeping to the front but the leader suddenly became weary and Breeze With Ease, trained by Jimmy Lambe, got back up to score by a neck.

The hat-trick was complete when O'Connell picked up a canny spare ride on 4-1 shot Sebadee in the Kerry Foods EBF Beginners Chase.

The Ken Condon-trained six-year-old cruised through the race and came in seven lengths to the good over Strolling Home

It was a memorable day for connections of eleven-year-old Galway Legend (11-2), who finally broke his duck at the 51st (including points) attempt in the Total Produce Handicap Chase.

O'Connell was in pursuit of his fourth win but could finish only third on favourite Schindlers Society

Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh provided punters with the perfect start as Wee Giant opened his account in the Tayto Maiden Hurdle.

After travelling strongly in mid-division, the 5-6 favourite appeared to be caught flat footed when Karkari pinged the final flight but he knuckled down well and ran out a five-length winner.

Barry O'Neill gave Colin Bowe's 6-4 favourite Lets Go Sunshine a clever ride to land the Proctor & Gamble Maiden Hurdle, while the concluding Cuisine De France INF Flat Race went to 6-1 chance Littletown Lass