There was an Irish victory in the concluding contest on Ladies Day, the Debenhams Handicap Hurdle over an extended two miles for conditional and amateur jockeys.

It was top-weight and Irish challenger Laafi (20-1) who came out on top, scoring by a neck.

Garry Bannon, representing winning trainer William Durkan, said: “We’d run well in the Morebattle, where the ground was a bit dead, and we were going to run in the County Hurdle, but I thought this flat track and the ground might suit him here. He’s been running in top company since we got him from Mr Haggas, and he’s always threatened to do something like this.

“It’s just great that the Durkans are here with all the history of the family colours (Anaglogs Daughter). That’s our 18th winner since May and we only have 15 horses. We had a winner too last night. It’s an absolutely magic day and long may it continue.

“It’s brilliant for Bill who is 88 years of age and still loving the game. He was the first on the phone and he’s in tears. John Durkan was his son, and I’m in a privileged position because, if John was alive, I wouldn't be doing this.

“Paddy (the jockey) is a good friend of mine too and he’s been hunting with me since I was a child. He won the Martin Pipe too, but not for us.”

Successful jockey Paddy O’Brien said: “Wow is right - that’s the only way to describe it!

“I made the running on him in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso and thought he ran a blinder, and I thought coming back to this flatter track, he’d really play his hand. The lads had him spot-on and he sure did play his hand alright. I hit the front turning in and it was a long way down to the third-last, never mind all the way to the line, and he was just eyeballing the horse beside him the whole way up the straight, stuck his neck out so bravely - he was a great winner. To shoulder 12 stone was really impressive.

“It’s been the season of dreams, to be honest. I won the Munster National earlier in the season, then the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival, and then here. I can’t believe it.

“I’m just taking it day by day. I’m really lucky to be getting the chances, and even to be riding here at this meeting - it’s my first time here, and it’s just super, and even to be riding, never mind being on horses with chances, is very special.”