Butler Playing with Martinstown opponents

Playing s odds for the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle dramatically contracted from around a 10/1 shot earlier in the day into a returned 7/2. The very-lightly raced French-bred landed the punt in style under Shane Butler at Clonmel.

The Pat Delaney-owned nine-year-old was 'running-away' from before the straight. He could afford to get the last two hurdles 'wrong' and still convincingly account for War Of Words by five lengths.

Playing is handled by Tom Foley who revealed: "We had to be patient with him. He was off for two years and he'd fractured a hind leg. He has that screwed now.

"I didn't tell the owner he was running until this morning!

"If he stays sound he'll be alright. He had a good reputation.

"He doesn't mind the heavy but he's impossible to get fit. He's like the rest of us when you're getting older in years." (TW & EM)