Mark McNiff celebrates his Downpatrick treble© Photo Healy Racing
Mark McNiff completed a memorable 145/1 treble at Downpatrick as Ashjan stayed on best to land the East Down Hunt Club Handicap Hurdle.
The Strandhill trainer was on the mark earlier with the Paddy Kennedy-ridden Atlantic Breaker and Andratx (Andrew Ring), and amateur Steven Kelly took the reins on Ashjan in this 2m1f event.
Kelly rode about 20 winners on the pony racing circuit before gaining his only previous winner under rules aboard Angus Milan in a handicap hurdle at Down Royal last year, and was seen to good effect here.
The teenager from Draperstown, Co Derry sent the four-year-old gelding to the front off the home bend, and the 7/2 chance kept on well to score by two and three quarter lengths.
The runner-up spot went to well-backed 11/4 favourite Shek O Lad with reserve Island Villa half a length further back in third.
