Mark McDonagh made his first ride for Edward O'Grady a winning one aboard Gwan Tadhg (7/1) in the A J C Group Handicap Hurdle over an extended two miles one at Downpatrick.

The six-year-old Frozen Fire gelding was produced to lead at the final flight and kept on well up the hill to see off Fassbender (11/1) by a length and a half. Crafty Gael the 85/40 favourite, was another half a length away in third.

McDonagh said: "Probably ground went against him last season, he ran a lot on soft. This was his first chance to get good ground. Definitely good ground brought out the best in him today.

"He's still a little bit babyish and he shot up and just had a look at the last. I could have done with company to take me there.

"I'd say he is a nice horse and hopefully he will build on that.

"It is my first ride for Mr O'Grady and I'm grateful to get the opportunity. He told me that he thought he was a nice horse and he thought he would benefit from the nice ground, and should go close."