Matt Hill makes most of his opportunity

Matt Hill made full use of getting into the Galway Plate Trial at Down Royal as third reserve when causing an upset in the 16-runner contest.

Local trainer Liam Lennon said: “He’s only handicapped 98 but has been working with Tammy’s Hill and we knew he was ready to come to this race. He’s also been working a lot on his own recently.”

He won from 12 pounds out of the handicap but undoubtedly the decimated field and ground conditions aided his cause.

Tote punters were rewarded with a payout of £33.30 for a pound on the 14/1 chance who stayed on in the run-in for a game length and three quarter success.

4/1 favourite Commanchewardance came in second while Any Bets at 10/1 and Selection Box at 14/1 rounded out the placings.

Well-backed Best Legend (14/1 to 7/1) slipped up on the bend coming to two out while local hero Ballyholland from the Colin McBratney yard was pulled up.

Michael Graham