Shane Shortall timed his run to perfection on Pires when claiming the Kerry Foods Rated Hurdle at Down Royal.

The Tony Martin-trained gelding was held up in the two-mile conditions event before being produced to challenge at the final flight.

He quickened up to lead on the run-in and post a two-and-a-quarter length winning margin over Theatre Mill

The 7/4 favourite was narrowly beaten over fences at Galway on his last outing and was registering his ninth career victory today.

"I rode him with loads of confidence as he was the class horse,” revealed Shortall afterwards.

“He always travelled very well. The gap closed on the inner before two out so I switched him out. I got a great jump at the last. He won here in 2012 and he enjoys it here."

Martin added: "He loves that sort of ground. He was rated to win the race with Shane's claim on top. At this stage of his life he seems to like a bit of room. He'll potter away on the flat, over hurdles and chases."

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)