Michael O’Hare’s Gold Ability was well punted in the bumper at Downpatrick and the money talked as the son of Old Vic won by half a length to give local jockey Declan Lavery his first double.

Having opened at 3/1 on course he was quickly backed down to 13/8 favouritism on the off. Lavery got him up after a final furlong battle with Tom Taafe’s Pontificating (11/1).

Carsonstown Bridge the 5/2 favourite, completed the placings five and a half lengths back in third.

Barney O’Hare, whose son trains the horse, said: “On his first run he was second in a real good bumper. He had subsequent Grade 1 winner Cash And Go behind him. He started to burst blood vessels though.

“We’ll go to Fairyhouse next if Declan is available, to take seven pounds off him.”

The track reported a crowd of 4,500 enjoying the racing and sunshine. Last year's attendance was 3,000.

Michael Graham