Blaze battles gamely to land bumper

The Mag Mullins-trained Blaze The Way dug deep in the closing stages to repel the challenge of Eastbank Warrior in the concluding bumper at Thurles this afternoon.

Tom Hamilton drove his mount into a narrow lead over a furlong-and-a-half from home but he looked a sitting duck as Eastbank Warrior travelled well to challenge on the inner.

Blaze The Way found plenty for pressure inside the final furlong though and asserted on the run to the line to record a two-and-a-half length win.

The 5/1 winner had been a well-beaten third on his debut run behind Joystick at Leopardstown over Christmas.

"I like him, he had a lovely run the first day and is a half-brother to a good horse (Grade 2 winner Enniscoffey Oscar),” said Mullins.

“I'm delighted with him and for the lads (Brian and Tom Groarke, part owners) who are from Meath.

"I'd say we'll wait to go hurdling until next season and might go for a winners' bumper.

“We'll talk to the boys and see what they want to do but he'll be a grand horse over a hurdle and has plenty size to jump a fence. He battled well and is a saleable horse."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)