Black Heather puts himself in the shop window

The favourite Base Of Fire went wrong and was pulled up when looking to have the race at his mercy approaching the home bend in the bumper at Ballinrobe, and it was Black Heather who galloped home under Pa King.

The five-year-old gelding didn't go unbacked as he was returned at 16/1 from an opening show of 22/1.

This was his fourth career start and he built upon a third in Kilbeggan at the start of June.

Here, he beat Steppingstone (5/1) by three and a-half lengths with Eastbank Warrior (10/3) another three-parts of a length back in third.

Harry Kelly said: "He'd a great run in Kilbeggan, but we were disappointed and we just thought he didn't stay.

"In the meantime, he was declared to run in a mile and a half Flat maiden in Tramore and, I won't lie, I was disgusted that it was called off. But maybe it was for luck.

"I don't know did he just not handle the real winter ground. He's been working well and with loads of pace all year.

"I'm delighted to give Pa the winner and for his owners Finbar and Grainne (O'Reilly), they bred him and they've been patient with him. I'm good friends with their son Oisin, he's a farrier and is in Australia at the moment.

"A winners' bumper could be an option, but he will definitely run on the Flat and he's for sale."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan