Mr Moondance called the tune with an all-the-way success in the opportunity handicap hurdle at Downpatrick.

The 10-year-old gelding was soon clear and increased the gap to some 20 lengths at the fourth. He still held a sizeable lead after two out despite Blowing Dixie making every effort to close.

The 18/1 shot had enough in the tank to sail in by six and a half lengths under Cathal Landers. Blowing Dixie took second at 9/1 having been as big as 25/1 this morning. Cousin Harry was another five and a half lengths adrift in third at 9/4.

Trainer Mark McNiff said: "Sure he has only one way of going and that's as hard as he can for as long as he can.

"It sounds ridiculous because he is still a runaway, but I'd say he's after settling a fraction with old age. He's hardly improving at that age but I'd say he's less stupid."

And on his horses hitting form, he said: "The mare in the race before that (fourth-placed Lighthouse Rose would have been up in two more strides. I chanced running her over a bit shorter distance and it almost worked."

McNiff also advised that this was the 60th birthday for Deirdre Flynn, wife of owner Brendan Flynn, on the same day Mr Moondance was having his 60th start.