Bishops battles on to hold Heath

Bishops Road battled gamely to land the spoils in the Racecourse Of The Year Handicap Chase at Leopardstown.

Bryan Cooper had the Henry De Bromhead-trained Gigginstown gelding to the fore throughout in the 2m5f contest and he kicked a few lengths clear turning for home.

7/4 favourite Heathfield came with a late charge on the run-in and strongly pressed his market rival in the closing stages, just failing by a head at the line.

The 2/1 winner was making his handicap debut having chased home the useful looking Jarry D'Honneur in a beginners event at Punchestown ten days ago.

It appeared that Heathfield had been struck in the face by Cooper's whip in the closing stages and connections of the runner-up lodged an objection. However it was over-ruled.

De Bromhead said afterwards: "He jumped slow at Punchestown and the time before but he jumped great today. I'd say the penny is only starting to drop with him. He had a year off and then was thrown in to novice chases.

"He could get an entry in the 2m5f novice handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival but I will have to check with the owners first to see what they want to do."

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)