Bondage was due to run in the Chester Cup on Wednesday for Gordon Elliott, but didn't get into the race so he picked up a nice compensation cheque at Down Royal today.

The six-year-old, ridden by Davy Condon, only faced three rivals in the two mile six hurdle contest, but Gold Bullet was sent off 10/11 favourite ahead of him.

Condon tracked Gold Bullet coming to the last and a good leap saw Bondage power home to win convincingly by seven and a half lengths at odds of 5/2.

Gordon Elliott trains the winner and he said: "He was entitled to win on ratings. He would be suited by a bigger field as he was on his own a bit there.

"He's been some little moneyspinner for the size of him. He'll go for a flat handicap and then go chasing. He has schooled and jumps well.

The winning syndicate - Bodhran Makers Syndicate - come from Tralee and Kildare. One of the syndicate who attended, Peter O'Sullivan, said: "After he was tailed off in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham that has rekindled the faith!"