SWANTYKAY came out on top after a thrilling conclusion to the Daily Mirror Handicap Chase at Down Royal.

Ellmarie Holden's charge was a 4/1 shot for the €20,000 prize and showed a willing attitude under a fine ride from Donagh Meyler to see off Net D'ecosse by a short-head.

Holden said: "He had his ground, he had his trip and Donagh gave him a super ride. We'll keep him going. We'll have to have a look at the book and make a plan then for two or three weeks' time.

"I was worried about him getting his head in front too quickly but, in fairness to him, he did well."

The trainer doubled-up with 14/1 shot His Dream in the bumper.

OFF THE MARK

Gordon Elliott opened his account for the new campaign as Ballela Boy struck gold in the Belfast Live Hurdle.

The 2/1 shot was the apparent second string for owners Gigginstown House Stud, with Noel Meade's Bel Ami De Sivola the 1/2 favourite, but Ballela Boy fought him off and passed the post two lengths to the good.

"We are off the mark thank God," said Elliott. "We said we would have a kick at the back of the second-last and have one go and thankfully it worked. There wasn't much between the two horses, only a jump. He will probably go chasing through the summer."

Henry de Bromhead's Ornua landed a gamble in the opening Pat O'Hare Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle.

The six-year-old was as big as 6/1 in the morning, but was sent off the 15/8 favourite and comfortably obliged in the hands of Brian O'Connell.

"I'd say he has improved a lot for better ground," said the winning rider. "He'll step up from that and keep going forward. It was a nice performance, it mightn't have been the strongest maiden but he couldn't do it any more impressively as he did it."

The soon-to-retire Sandra Hughes landed the Magners Irish Cider Beginners Chase with 5/2 chance Art Of Payroll.

She said: "It has been a long time coming for him as he has been up against some competition, but the ground is the key to him today and that's the best he's had.

"He needs a little bit of time in between races, we'll find something for him. He's up to running in handicaps, he has enough experience."

READ THE FULL DOWN ROYAL REPORT IN NEXT WEEKEND'S EDITION OF THE IRISH FIELD