The well-related Haddington Road shortened up to a starting price of 2/1, from around double that earlier in the day, for the opening Plain Talking Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick. From the in-form Dot Love stable, the Old Vic gelding got the job done nicely under Andrew McNamara.

Morning favourite Ultimate Horseman went the other way in the betting and in the end he went down by four lengths to Haddington Road.

Ciaran Murphy, assistant trainer to Mrs Love, commented: "Punchestown was his first run and we knew he needed it.

"The owners have been super patient and we'll see what the handicapper does. The drop in trip helped, though he'll get three miles no problem. I'd say two and a half would be fine.

"We dropped him back as he travelled so well in Punchestown. He'll go chasing at the end of summer.

"The owner, Salome Brennan's parents bred Albertas Run. She is from Mullingar and is a neighbour of ours."

(MG & EM)