The urgings of trainer Philip Rothwell from the in-field weren't in vain as Merrion Row (11/1 into 8/1) came good in the Racing Post Handicap Chase at Downpatrick.

Without success since a Galway bumper win on debut in August 2013, here Merrion Row, under an all action Danny Mullins, edged things by a neck from favourite, I'm An Izz Wizz (Katie O'Farrell up).

After the all-the-way win, where his strength in the plate proved crucial, Mullins said: "It was a good performance. Philip has done a good job with him, he hasn't been the easiest to train. Hopefully he'll win again."

Rothwell himself was on lead up duties.

(MG & EM)