Man proves Honest in opener

The opening handicap hurdle at Downpatrick produced a fantastic finish with Honest Man sticking his head out close home to take the verdict.

Brian Hamilton 's charge had fought it out from the last hurdle with Posh Bird and looked like going down to that rival on the run-in before rallying in the closing stages under Andrew McNamara.

“He's in at Down Royal next week and we might possibly run there,” said Hamilton.

“He's a low grade handicapper and if he's alright we might run again. He battled well today.

“I watched it from the last hurdle so couldn't see the finish – I was just doing plenty of shouting and roaring. I was sure he was beat.”

Beaten favourite Danikhali was reported to be clinically abnormal post-race while his jockey John Cullen suffered a suspected broken toe.

Eleven jockeys were hauled in front of the stewards following a report from the starter regarding the false start.

Derek Fox and Tim Carroll were both hit with one-day bans for disobeying the starter.