The action was considerably more low-key following all the excitment here during the week but Dublin Hunter put up a dour staying performance to land the Ellen Developments Conyngham Cup.

The Dessie Hughes-trained gelding made all under Roger Loughran in this four mile stamina test for amateur riders to beat top-weight Howaya Pet by seven lengths.

'It's a nice prize and he's as tough as old boots and bred for this trip being closely related to The Quads,' said Hughes.

The stewards were kept busy in the opening few races with the first two placings reversed in the three miles novice hurdle after Orchestral Dream had 'beaten' Bright Gas by a neck.

David Flannery switched Orchestral Dream to the inner at the last but, after heading the well-backed 5/4 favourite on the run-in, his mount veered markedly left close home under a right-hand whip ride.

A stewards enquiry was called immediately, and the placings reversed in favour of Robbie Burns' charge with Flannery picking up a three day suspension for careless riding.

The stewards were also called into action after the opening 2m4f winners hurdle, where Piercing Sun stretched clear after the last under Mark Watts to beat Miss Toulon and Where's Eddie by 7L and 1L.

The minor placings were later reversed after interference on the run-in although the stewards took no further action.

The 7/1 winner had finished a respectable eighth behind Mansony in a valuable handicap here on Tuesday but trainer Tony Mullins was very annoyed with the starter on that occasion.

'They made four attempts to start, and it's a problem that's been going on for years. I don't know why they try to facilitate a few that hang back in a 25 runner race at the expense of everyone else.'

'The starter should let them go and fine the lads who don't line up,' said Mullins, who may sent his soft ground performer over fences soon.

Andrew McNamara celebrated his 22nd birthday with a winner when producing Vintage Port with a well-timed challenge to floor a gamble on Hasty Second (10/1-6/1fav).

The Thomond O'Mara-trained five-year-old overcame a mistake at the last in the Final of the Martinstown Opportunity Series to score by a length and a half.

King Of Killeen, left clear by the crashing fall of Mr Murchan at the second last in the 2m2f handicap chase, was driven right out on the run-in by amateur Andrew Duff to hold Endless Magic by 1 1/2L.

Mark Walsh sent Brouling to the front approaching the last in the two miles handicap hurdle before holding on by half a length from Reisk Superman.

Niall Madden was again seen to great effect aboard newcomer Toofarback in division one of the bumper, forcing Noel Meade's gelding up in the closing stages to beat Lemonfield by 1/2L.

Highglen took division two in fine style, drawing clear in the straight under Peter Fahey to beat Phantom Plumber by ten lengths.

Alan Magee