Fag An Bealach stayed on stoutly up the hill to grab the spoils late on in the Toals Bookmakers Beginners Chase at Downpatrick.

2/1 favourite The Abbey travelled best to lead going to the second last in the two-mile-three contest and had a couple of lengths advantage racing away from the final fence.

He was collared in the closing stages by Fag An Bealach, however, as Donagh Meyler gave Arthur Moore's charge a strong drive to secure a length-and-a-half victory at odds of 5/1.

The Stowaway mare, making her chasing debut, had received reminders after the fifth last and was strongly ridden in mid-division after a slight error three from home.

Meyler said: “She had a couple of good runs in defeat (over hurdles). We were happy with her and she schooled well during the week.

“Arthur was very positive on her. It’s great to get a winner for him as he’s been very loyal to me over the years.

“She jumped reasonably well, she popped away. She’s not a massive filly and we had a whack at them going to the last. It worked out and it’s great when it does.

“Her maiden hurdle form was good. She had a couple of good runs in defeat down in Cork and places like that. The ability is definitely there and hopefully she can progress from this.

(Quotes by Michael Graham)