Lark scores Royal success

Grangeclare Lark justified favouritism when comfortably opening her account over timber in the EBF Scarvagh House Stud Mares Novice Hurdle at Down Royal.

The 11-10 shot was pushed into the lead by Paddy Flood before the second-last flight after Look Who’s Back had set the pace in the Grade Three contest.

Once Dessie Hughes’ runner hit the front, the mare was not hard pressed to hold Strike An Ark by three-and-a-half lengths with Pearl’s A Singer third.