Makhaaleb battles to take Down Royal opener

Makhaaleb opened his account over timber with a hard fought success in the two-mile maiden hurdle at Down Royal.

Paul Carberry produced his mount to lead before the last but he had to fight on the run-in. High Magic came with a strong charge and only a head seperated the pair as they passed the judge.

The winner was sent off an 8/1shot after a moderate effort on his last outing at Perth. He had unseated on his only other start over hurdles.

"He got a fright in Gowran Park earlier in the year when he refused at the third hurdle and had a nice confidence boost at Perth last time," said winning trainer Gordon Elliott.

"Paul knows all the horses so well and there is no need to say anymore about him.

"He might go back to Perth for a novice hurdle in a few weeks time. He's a low grade horse and today might have been his day. There might be something back on the Flat for him."