There was a Gigginstown House Stud one two in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners E.B.F. Maiden Hurdle as odds-on favourite Ballela Boy prevailed convincingly under David Mullins from the promising newcomer Brightest Flame at Downpatrick.

In-form Noel Meade trains Brightest Flame, and he came through late on to grab the second spot from Forever Dylan who'd duelled it out from some way out with Ballela Boy. Gordon Elliott's winner scored by three and a half lengths.

Elliott said afterwards: "He's a big chaser in the making.

"Whatever he does this year will be a bonus. We'll probably find a little winners' race somewhere for him and he'll be okay. I'd say chasing will be his game and he's a big honest horse."

(MG & EM)