News Item bagged back-to-back victories in the Powers Ulster Grand National with a stout staying performance in testing conditions at Downpatrick.
Only four finished in the 27,500 Handicap Chase as the marathon 3m4f trip took its toll among the 15 starters.
George Stewart's charge revelled in the heavy ground, however, improving to lead after the third last and soon pulling clear of his field.
Johnny Farrelly, making a flying visit from England, kept his mount going well to secure a 22-length success from Mcevoy.
I'm delighted he's a better horse than last year. The 7lb claim made all the difference and Johnny rode a great race, said Stewart.
He likes this track. Hopefully we'll go for the Irish National but nothing has been decided yet.
The Mares Novice Hurdle looks a match between Blazing Sky and Candy Girl and so it proved as the pair were locked together over the second last.
Blazing Sky proved too strong for her rival from the last, however, staying on well to score by five-and-a-half lengths.
She'll go for a listed mares race at Limerick on March 18th and then we'll aim her at a Grade 3 at Punchestown, said trainer Frank McGuinness
She wants better ground and a galloping track. This was only a run up for a few bob to keep us going!
It was a memorable day for Larne car dealer Roy Wilson, who saddled a double courtesy of Glen Harley and In The Loop.
Glen Harley gave Wilson his first winner at the track when outstaying Ardlea Star in the closing stages of the Mares Novice Chase to score by 11 lengths.
He didn't have long to wait for number two as In The Loop sprang a 20/1 shock in the following Hunter Chase.
It was also a double for amateur Paul McNeilly, who produced the gelding to challenge after the last and lead close home to score by a length-and-a-quarter from 2/1f Freneys Well.
I have to give a lot of praise to my assistant Alan Maybin, who runs the yard for me. We have great facilities and a great strike rate at the minute, said Wilson.
Good Company (1/1f) was a warm order in the opening maiden hurdle and looked set for a convincing victory after going clear after the last.
Mark Walsh's mount started to tire on the uphill finish, however, and only held on by half a length from Tailor's Hall at the line.
Mono was the easiest winner of the day when running out a stylish winner of the handicap hurdle under Philip Carberry.
Suzanne Cox's charge jumped to the lead at the last and eased clear on the run-in to score by 22 lengths from Jakeups Fold.
