Shadow Play dominates at Downpatrick© Photo Healy Racing
Shadow Play landed a gamble in the extended two mile five handicap chase at Downpatrick.
The six-year-old gelding was sent into the lead from flagfall by Davy Russell and raced clear throughout.
He was ridden after the last and kept up the gallop to land the spoils by four and a quarter lengths.
The 7/2 joint favourite was backed down from 8/1 in the morning and an opening show of 9/2. Le Grand Chene the other 7/2 joint favourite, finished second with Suzy's Music (11/2) a further four and a half lengths away in third.
Successful trainer Paul Nolan said: "He did it well. He got his jumping right and the ground drying out helped.
"We thought a lot of him but he could be a horse that takes a bit of time.
"He stays well and jumped very well in first-time blinkers.
"He wasn't able to get out of the ground in his novice chases. This course is always in prime condition and is probably the best ground you get in the country."
This gave Russell a double on the day as he also visited the winner's enclosure on The Way It Works in the third race.
