Final Orders cruises home for Donoghue

Final Orders exploited a hurdle mark 47lb lower than his chase rating with the minimum of fuss in the Reddans Of Bettystown Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown.

He won this extended two and a-half mile contest last year and soon led under Keith Donoghue in this year's renewal.

The duo never looked in any danger and glided home by three and a-quarter lengths to justify 4/9 favouritism. Artemis Angel took the runner-up berth at 18/1 and was 11 lengths clear of Dunleer Phoenix (33/1).

Trainer Gavin Cromwell said: "I suppose on paper he was supposed to be doing that, but still it was nice to do it.

"If there is one guarantee, he won't be running in this race next year!

"I wouldn't rule it out (a stint over hurdles now), it is worth considering.

"He certainly doesn't want heavy winter ground.

"In the Galway Plate he made a mistake and the false start was the biggest thing for him. He had a lovely position the first time if he had got away. He just didn't get a nice position and made a bad mistake (before finishing unplaced).

"I wouldn't rule the Galway Plate out for next year, it is a difficult race with all the hustle and bustle and he is only a small, little horse. It is not an easy task.

"Possibly another option for him maybe a Paddy Power in Cheltenham in November."