Vincent Ward's Striking Force justified even money favouritism in the two mile maiden hurdle at Down Royal, but not without having to pull out all the stops to repel Harrington by half a length in a driving finish after the last flight.

Keith Clarke, on board the winner, had said to Ward that he was going to dedicate the ride to his best friend Peter O'Brien who sadly passed away this morning.

Ward was delighted with the ride Clarke gave the Danehill gelding and also said: "The horse is a brilliant servant. He battled on well today.

"He's too small for fences unfortunately but is entered in a flat race at Dundalk next week."