Unfortunately Reetaj was pulled up injured before the second last when still in contention, but the Silversea And Ethiad Airways Maiden Hurdle saw a popular local winner when Brian Hamilton’s Twilight Shadow (4/1) landed the spoils under David Mullins at Downpatrick.

First time blinkered Atlantic Breaker (50/1) kept on up the run-in but he was still four lengths adrift of Twilight Shadow at the line.

Hamilton said: "He (David Mullins) has done everything lovely for me. He said she was a wee bit keen with him. He said she took a wee while to settle.

"Better ground will suit her and she'll hopefully come back here in three weeks time. There's a mares winners' hurdle here if everything is okay with her. She's going to be a good wee summer horse.

"The Ballynoe Stone Circle (owners) is just up the road. A group of local fellas bought her off Jeremy Maxwell for a bit of fun. Declan Lavery and his brother are involved in it."

The Stewards interviewed D.R. Fox, rider of Atlantic Breaker, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that D.R. Fox was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and therefore suspended him for 2 racedays having taken his recent clean record into consideration.

D.E. Mullins, rider of Heartheecho trained by Miss Clare Louise Cannon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran green during this race.

(MG & EM)