Art Of Payroll saw off Winter Lion by a couple of lengths to land the beginners' chase in Down Royal.

He found plenty for Denis O'Regan to oblige at 5/2 with the runner-up a 5/1 chance. Rise Of An Empire the 2/1 favourite, couldn't go with the front two from the second last and came in third, a further 22 lengths away.

Sandra Hughes, who has announced that she will be leaving the training ranks soon, said: "It has been a long time coming for him as he has been up against some competition, but the ground is the key to him today and that's the best he's had.

"He's a real good ground horse, he wouldn't go on firm but the ground was lovely out there and it really suits him and he was very good.

"Denis gave him a great ride. He said he would sit third or fourth and I said his jumping would do the talking and that's what happened.

"He needs a little bit of time in between races, we'll find something for him. He's up to running in handicaps, he has enough experience."