Tiernan Power Roche and Philip Rothwell with Down Around© Photo Healy Racing
A runner-up four times from 18 previous starts, Down Around finally made the breakthrough in the concluding Horse & Jockey Handicap Hurdle.
Beaten by half a length when second at Fairyhouse just over a fortnight ago, the Philip Rothwell-trained seven-year-old was well-fancied to go a place better this afternoon.
From 11/2 in early shows for this 15-runner contest, the Sea Moon seven-year-old eventually went off a 7/2 chance in the colours of the GVD Syndicate and Robert Dooly.
Never far from the pace under Tiernan Power Roche, the 99-rated bay improved into a share of the lead before five out, and gained an outright advantage on the approach to the straight.
Pushed along before the last, he found plenty for pressure, seeing off the gallant effort of first reserve Klassman (15/2) by two-lengths.
There was a further six-lengths back to Vroomvroomboo (50/1) in third, while 5/2 favourite (from 8s early) Willywampus was a disappointing ninth.
"He has been very disappointing as I brought him to Ludlow on suitable ground to qualify him for the Red Mills Final last year but he ran deplorably," Rothwell commented.
"We got a few jobs done on him trying to resurrect his form and Phidelma (Elvin) gave him a good positive ride the last day in Punchestown, and the winner came out and won again.
"The syndicate are a great bunch from Dublin and have Rockbrook with me as well, and Noel Dooly who previously trained Down Around, is also still involved."
He then quipped: "I supplied an earlier winner as well, as I told Prince Of Air s owners to buy him off me a few weeks ago. I told them he'd win a race although thought I had their measure with Ricky Langford but it wasn't to be."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
