Butney proves tough in finale

Butney Rock prevailed after a prolonged duel with Run For Firth in the second division of the bumper at Gowran Park.

Run For Firth led leaving the back straight in the two-and-a-half mile event but was tackled turning for home by Butney Rock.

The pair duked it out from there and it was only in the closing stages that Katie Walsh forged ahead on the Colin McBratney-trained gelding.

The Beat All gelding went on to record a length-and-three-quarters victory over his fellow 11/4 joint-favourite.

The winner had lost all chance at the start on his hurdling debut last month but the point-to-point recruit had shaped with promise in a bumper here previously back in March.

“He's a nice horse. He probably needed the run today and he's been waiting for good ground,” said McBratney.

“He got no run the last day when he was left at the start. He probably go jumping now and may go to Galway for a maiden hurdle.”

Galway holds fond memories for owner Cathal McGovern, who bought the winner recently, as he saw his colours carried to victory in the Plate there in 2003 by Ballyholland.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)