Belfast-based owner Geoffrey Ruddock was on hand to lead in Gimli’s Return (5/1) who landed the extended two mile two furlong handicap hurdle at Downpatrick by a length and a half.

The 5/1 shot, trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Tommy Treacy, hit the front three out and came home in front of Sober Sailor (7/1). Budwiser (7/1) took third place.

“The last time he ran the ground was extremely heavy. On the good ground we were expecting a good run. It’s my first winner in Downpatrick. I have five horses in training,” Geoffrey Ruddock said.

“The jockey [Tommy Treacy] said he was running well all the way through and they were going slow so he pushed him on at the top of the hill.”

Paint The Toes, the 7/2 favourite, finished fifth.

Michael Graham