Smart Flat performer Moon off the mark over timber

Favorite Moon powered up the hill to get off the mark over hurdles in the opening maiden at Downpatrick this afternoon.

The well travelled German-bred had won twice on the level in England and also in Australia before joining William Durkan.

He had raced off a mark of 100 on his most recent outing on the level, when sixth in the big amateur handicap at Galway.

The five-year-old went to post an 11/4 shot on his second outing over hurdles and tucked in behind the leaders for much of the two-mile-two trip.

Luke Dempsey asked his mount to take closer order after the penultimate flight and he jumped to the front over the last.

The Sea The Moon gelding galloped on strongly to record an eight-length win over No Trouble

Dempsey said afterwards: "He ran a little bit in snatches and at times he was keen, and then he was behind the bridle.

"He really came on the bridle coming down the hill after the second-last. He kept on well up the hill then.

"He's a decent Flat horse and he looks like he is going to be able to switch it.

"It is nice ground out there."

Assistant trainer Gary Bannon added: "We are very happy with him.

"He ran a bit with the choke out in Bellewstown (in a maiden hurdle in July) and ran a bit in snatches today.

"It is all systems go for the Cesarewitch on 8th October (in Newmarket).

"Softer conditions and a more galloping track will suit him even better."