Ballinahow Lady proved a tough customer as she battled to success in the handicap hurdle at Thurles.

John Cullen had his mount to the fore throughout and the daughter of Benficial kept on gamely in the closing stages. The Breathalyser tried hard down the straight but despite running on well close home could only get to within three-parts-of-a-length of the David O'Brien-trained winner.

"She's a very tough lady," said a delighted O'Brien afterwards.

"She got a bit of black-type at Limerick last time and she'll go for another handicap now. Hopefully there is another handicap hurdle in her.

"We'll go chasing next season with her."

Gary Carson