Beach party as Mala strolls home for Elliott and Russell

A good opportunity was spotted by Gordon Elliott for big handicap chase specialist Mala Beach in the feature 3m2f conditions chase at this rescheduled Down Royal fixture and Davy Russell's mount did not spurn it.

He was at least a stone well in with his three rivals in this contest and, even though he seemed to hit a brief flat spot inside the final mile, it was a stroll in the end as he eased past front-running market rival Bonny Kate between the final two fences and won by nine and a half lengths.

Those hopeful of seeing Mala Beach line up in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse look likely to be disappointed, as Elliott said: "That could be it for the year now, unless it came up very soft at Punchestown."