Matt Hill made full use of getting into the Galway Plate Trial at Down Royal as third reserve when causing an upset in the 16-runner contest.

Local trainer Liam Lennon said: “He’s only handicapped 98 but has been working with Tammy’s Hill and we knew he was ready to come to this race. He’s also been working a lot on his own recently.”

He won from 12 pounds out of the handicap but undoubtedly the decimated field and ground conditions aided his cause.

Tote punters were rewarded with a payout of £33.30 for a pound on the 14/1 chance who stayed on in the run-in for a game length and three quarter success.

4/1 favourite Commanchewardance came in second while Any Bets at 10/1 and Selection Box at 14/1 rounded out the placings.

Well-backed Best Legend (14/1 to 7/1) slipped up on the bend coming to two out while local hero Ballyholland from the Colin McBratney yard was pulled up.

Michael Graham