Pineau De Re has Shabra Charity and his other Ulster National opponents strung out behind him© Photo Healy Racing
< Pineau De Re stamped his class on the Toals Bookmakers Ulster Grand National EBF Handicap Chase at Downpatrick.
A smart hurdler a couple of seasons ago, Philip Fenton's 10-year-old has taken his time to get to grips with fences but put his best foot forward to finish second at Leopardstown last month and built on that here.
Taking the lead off Shabra Charity between the last couple of obstacles, the 13-2 chance motored away from that point and crossed the line with 23 lengths in hand.< Shrapnel showed his appreciation for having his sights lowered by justifying 6-5 favouritism in the Toals Bookmakers Dial-A-Bet 90321721 Hurdle.
Gordon Elliott's seven-year-old filled the runner-up berth in Listed company at Naas on his previous outing, and class told as he saw off Rattan by six lengths to give Davy Russell his first winner since returning from injury.< Un Beau Roman finally showed what he is capable of on these shores with a facile victory in the Bet At Toals Bookmakers On-Course SP Shop Maiden Hurdle.
The 4-1 shot had struggled in heavy ground since arriving from France but travelled with much more zest on this occasion and after Ruby Walsh sent him to the front a long way from the finish, he didn't have to come out of third gear to see off Shershewill by 16 lengths.< Paddy O Dee (3-1 favourite) has also bounced back to form since encountering less testing conditions and backed up last month's course and distance success with a comfortable triumph in the Visit toals.co.uk Handicap Hurdle.< Twin Plan (evens) continued her excellent run of form when reverting to fences for the Toals Bookmakers Daily Moneyback Concessions Handicap Chase, but jumping proved to be the downfall of market leader By Design in the Toals Bookmakers In Every County In The North Maiden Hunters Chase as he trailed home last behind 9-2 winner Send For Paddy
