Tullybeg, far side, beats Whiskey Sour © Photo Healy Racing
Tullybeg reverted to flights to seal a treble for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy in Down Royal.
The eight-year-old gelding won the Mayo National at Ballinrobe in May before finishing unplaced in the Midlands National at Kilbeggan in July.
He contested the three-mile hurdle on the card and improved to lead after the third-last. He was strongly pressed by 15/8 favourite Whiskey Sour at the final flight, but kept on best to win by two and a-quarter lengths at 4/1. Digby (8/1 - 11/2) was a length and a-half back in third.
"The trainer knows best!" said assistant trainer Lisa O'Neill
"He was probably a little bit disappointing in Kilbeggan and I think the ground had maybe gone a bit soft for him that day.
"He's a great horse and he has been a great servant, I think that is his ninth win altogether.
"He really toughed it out today and he jumped really well. I think he jumped some of them like they were fences as well. Jack gave him a brilliant ride.
"It is great to get his head in front again. He has been a great servant for connections.
"He has proved himself that he is very versatile. It is an option to keep him on this route and it opens plenty of avenues, and Gordon will know what to do best with him now."
Elliott and Kennedy were also successful with Air Drop and Pinyon Jay
