Beckwith battles to repeat last year's win

Beckwith Star produced a gutsy front-running performance to repeat last year's success in the Easyfix Rubber Products Handicap Hurdle at Galway.

The three joint top-weights fought out the finish in the two-mile contest with Henry De Bromhead's charge refusing to give in and securing a head victory at odds of 7/1.

Adam O'Neill bounced his mount out in front from the start but he looked booked for the places as 5/1 favourite Defining Year came to claim him at the final flight.

The Dermot Weld-trained jolly started to find life tough on the run-in, however, as Beckwith Star battled backed and 25/1 shot Plain Sailing stayed on to join in.

It was last year's victor who found most at the death to secure a narrow victory over Plain Sailing with Defining Year fading close home to finish two-lengths back in third.

The winner was switching back to the smaller obstacles having scored over fences at Wexford last month.

"I'm delighted for Herb and Emily (Stanley) as Emily wasn't here last year so we said we'd have to repeat it this year when she was here!" said de Bromhead.

"For a ten year old he has some heart and is very straightforward. He battled really well and he can do anything (hurdles or fences) now as he has his job done.

"Fair play to Adam he gave him a super ride and is great value for his 5lb claim."

The winning rider added:- "The other horse was coming running at me and I thought he might just have done me at the line but luckily enough my horse is very tough and did it all for me.

"He saves a lot up his sleeve and the more you get after him the more he keeps pulling out for you.

"He loves the hill and trains up the hill at home. He's well used to it here and has won before so I knew he would stay."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)