Monaghan trainer Oliver Brady kept racegoers happy as he unveiled a Down flag in the parade ring after his Imperial Shabra took the novices hurdle at Downpatrick at odds of 9/4 by seven lengths.

The ebullient Brady pinpointed his winner as a Listowel horse and he confirmed he should have four or five horse for that festival.

He added: "Everyone told me I was crazy to race this horse after only two runs but you buy them to race."

Imperial Shabra kicked on two hurdles out under Matthew Bowes. Favourite Hail Caesar was left one-paced behind and got collared for second on the line by Fleeting Moment