Almanyan gave Adrian McGuinness his first winner for owner Sean Gallagher and his first at Downpatrick when claiming the Nashville Handicap Hurdle.
Keith Donoghue sent his mount to the front after the third last but he had to battle. Foreigner disputed at the second last but could find no more on the run-in, going down by three lengths.
"He'll probably go to Tramore next week. He's won around there as well and obviously like hills!" said McGuinness.
"That's my first winner for Sean Gallagher and he had his first ever winner on the track here five years ago. So he likes the place.
"It's my first winner here and the only two other tracks I'm missing are Killarney and Wexford.
"He got a great ride and was unlucky last time at Sligo."
