Ferris delighted to score on Lusis Naturea

Lusis Naturea gave husband and wife Eoin Barry and Karen Ferris a victory in the Hovis Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.

The seven-year-old gelding made headway before the third-last and disputed at the penultimate flight.

He was soon ridden to lead and kept on well to score by three lengths at 10/1. Kilkeaskin Molly (25/1) chased him home with Blue Skimmer the 9/2 favourite, in third.

Jockey Karen Ferris said: "The ground was better for him and everything suited for today. The track suited him better - he prefers a big, galloping track.

"This is my second track success - the last one was a long time ago, maybe about 12 years ago I'd say. I've been riding a few winners point-to-pointing.

"Eoin said that I know the horse and ride him as I know him. He left me to it so it was grand.

"Yeah he did (find plenty), he found more than I expected."