Bothar battles to deny Nibblers

Bothar Dubh recorded his third win of the year, as he got up close home to beat Nibblers Charm in the KPMG Handicap Hurdle.

The Declan Queally trained six-year-old was last seen finishing third in a novice contest at Cork in May and came in for plenty of market support this evening.

Available at 15/2 in early shows, the son of Malinas opened on-course at 9/2, before going off the 4/1 favourite in the colours of owner Bridget O'Mahony.

In mid-division early on, the bay victor dropped back towards rear with a circuit to race.

Pushed along in sixth from two out, he responded well for pressure and came with his run on the outer from the furlong pole, getting up close home to deny Nibblers Charm by a head.

Sean O'Keeffe was aboard the winner, while Donie McInerney was on the Ray Hackett trained runner-up who was returned at 5/1.

The front pair went seven lengths clear of Lady In Lavender (9/2) in third.

"He's a great little horse - that's the second tight photo he's after getting through," said Queally.

"The rain came in time as he's a winter horse.

"He got a little break over the summer - he got a couple of weeks out in the field.

"He's only a small little horse and he's better fresh. We'll see how he is now - he might go to Listowel.

"We won't be over hard on him - he's only a bit of a horse.

"We'll see what the handicapper does - it'll be tougher for him now. He's after winning three anyway so we're happy enough!"

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy