Down Ace to the fore in Down Royal

Noel Meade's Down Ace readily scored in Down Royal's opening two-and-a-half-mile beginners' chase.

The 3/1 chance asserted before the last in the hands of Ger Fox and put 13 lengths on 13/8 favourite Empire Of Dirt (from 3/1 this morning).

Owner Paul Sullivan said: "That was a fantastic performance across the big fences. I'm delighted with that. She had no problem with the ground, she has done it before in the UK particularly in Bangor on heavy ground.

"It was either here or Leopardstown. She's consistently getting better in her races. I'll have to talk to Noel about where she goes next, but we'll keep her going."