THE Route hunt returned to Portrush in 2016, and the locals appear to have embraced this scenic venue as it remains one of the best-supported meetings in the region irrespective of whether the fixture is autumn or spring, with a good crowd present to witness Wilson Dennison, one of two sponsors on the card to visit the winner’s enclosure when his Ballyhigh (3/1 - 7/4 favourite) impressed in the four-year-old maiden.

Well supported in the market, the Noel McParlan-ridden son of Canford Cliffs quickened up smartly past Boolamore Glory to win impressively and looks a sharp recruit for handler Jamie Sloan.