The Four Elms was produced with powerful surge by promising apprentice Connor King to take the ten furlong handicap at Cork. Northern Rocked took them along but was strongly pressed throughout by Gunner Lindley That rival went on over two furlongs out but was soon collared by The Four Elms.

John Joe Walsh's charge went on over a furlong out and kept on strongly in the closing stages for a cosy two-length success.

The 11/4 winner (opened 3/1 out to 10/3) was gaining his second win of the season, having scored at Limerick last month.

“He's a nice horse. That's three times I've won this race in the last few (five) years,” said Walsh.

“The claim helped and it took the penalty off him that he got in Limerick. He's a good rider and he's nice and cool.

“We'll see in a few weeks time what there is for him. He likes this ground.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)