The Eoin Doyle Come To The Party returned from a near year-long absence to win the ‘N K’ Christmas Handicap Hurdle at Down Patrick today.

Ridden by Mikey Butler, the son of Taipan raced in mid-division before getting into contention from three out, eventually moving to the front in the closing stages to defeat Whitehead Lad

Doyle was absent but Butler did mention “Come To The Party did it well and I thought he might need the run - he could be one for Tramore (New Year’s meeting).”