With one meeting remaining in 2016 Gary Carson sits €4.51 ahead of his nearest pursurer Kevin O'Ryan for the €2,000 first prize sponsored by Ladbrokes. The Storyteller's even-money Down Royal success opened a little more daylight for the leader, leaving the chasing pack in need of at least a 5/1 winner to overtake him.

Both Ron McKnight and Brian Gleeson selected 5/1 winner Concordin last weekend to keep themselves in profit for the year. Pause And Ponder (6/4) also obliged for Kevin Murphy, Billy Nash and Justin O'Hanlon.