Decimation but only after late drama

In a first-time tongue-strap Decimation (a three to one on shot) took the Molson Coors Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal. His ten length winning margin tells little of how things played out in the extended two miler though.

A three parts brother to a great stable servant of the past, Arctic Fire, on debut for Willie Mullins Arctic Warrior was travelling smoothly on terms when falling two out.

Thankfully himself and jockey Mark Walsh were up quickly.

However to add insult to injury for Arctic Warrior he was struck hard by a horse coming in behind, and then fell when running loose at the last.

For Gigginstown House Stud, Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore Decimation went on to beat Hallowed Star and 200/1 front-runner Runadrum

"It was nice to get his head in front today,” said the winning jockey.

"Obviously the main challenger went at the second last but look he stuck at it well and he is a lovely horse."

(MG & EM)