The Grade 3 European Breeders Fund Lough Construction Ltd. Mares Novice Hurdle at Down Royal today was a hot looking contest with winner Top Madam benefiting from a below par run from 8/13 favourite Miss United.

The winner moved to the front before the home straight and while she blundered at the third last flight, soon responded very well to jockey Davy Condon's urgings. Miss United arrived with what seemed like a winning challenge before the second last but landed awkwardly after the obstacle and was back-peddling when untidy again at the final flight.

On the run-in, Top Madam stayed on gamely for a length win over the staying on Thynetocatcher

Winning owner/trainer Donal Coffey wasn't present for the win but Top Madam's breeder Noel O'Neill, a son-in-law of Coffey's, later stated “Donal can't be here as he got a kick from a horse but is ok.

“Top Madam is just a tough mare and takes a lot of work at home. She wants good ground and jumped better today. Her game in time will be chasing – she won her point to point as a four year old and was third in a Grade 3 Hurdle on ground that was against her. She'll have a break now and will be back in throughout spring.”

Additional reporting by Michael Graham