Eric The Third was always one of the runners up there forcing the issue in the Waterford & Tramore Supporters Club Handicap Hurdle, and those tactics from 5Ib claimer Andrew Ring took the 11/2 shot all the way to a three parts of a length win.

It wasn't surprising to hear successful trainer Philip Rothwell reflect afterwards: "Andrew gave him a good ride. He is quite good tactically and I think he is maturing and getting better." Lake Chapala was the strong 13/8 favourite (from 9/4 and bigger earlier) to go a place better after a Gowran Park second last Friday.

The 'jolly' could only manage third though, six lengths off the front pair, and it was Borussia that came through from the back, to give Eric The Third most to do, but she couldn't bridge the gap on the run-in.

"We had a lot of seconds this summer, but we've had our few winners and we are having a good start to the season," added Rothwell.

"We had a long hard year last year but Carol Hogan and Eric Newnham are two very good supporters (Eric The Third's owners).

"Eric lives in London and that's why he's not here, and Carol was ill for the last few days but is back to work today trying to make up for lost time.

"He will keep going while the ground is good, but when it gets soft he'll get a holiday. Eric and Carol lost Lunch Master at Listowel so it's lovely that this lad won today."

(DM & EM)