Benefit leads them merry dance

Luke's Benefit led his rivals a merry dance as he made all the running to take the Clonmore Handicap Hurdle at Thurles in fine style.

Brian Cawley bounced his mount out in front in the two-mile contest and he nicked a few lengths turning for home. Kilmainham tried to give chase at the second last but couldn't make any inroads. The front-runner pulled away going to the final flight.

The Denis Hogan-trained gelding stayed on strongly to post an easy seven-length success.

Kilmainham just held on for the runner-up spot from 4/1 favourite Treat Yourself

The 6/1 winner had been well beaten on his last start over fences but that came just six days after winning at Punchestown and he raced here off a 7lb lower mark over timber.

Trainer Hogan watched his charge win from the saddle of a rival, having partnered Drishogue Boy to finish sixth for Noel Brett, and he said on the way in afterwards:-

“Brian gave him a good ride from the front. Obviously I haven't seen how well he won yet.

“Brian won on him before and we decided to claim from him. He needs every chance as he's getting older.

“He's getting high in the ratings and I've nothing mapped out for him. He might go for another hurdle.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)