Buttons And Bows records narrow Killarney success

Buttons And Bows got up right on the line to record a gutsy win in the Vincent Casey Life & Pensions Handicap Hurdle at Killarney.

Fifth in a stronger contest at Listowel last month, the Pat Flynn-trained mare kept on well from the final flight to head Downthecellar close home.

The J.P. McManus owned 8Y0 had previously won over fences, as well as twice over hurdles. Fitted with cheekpieces for only the second time in her career, the mare showed a determined attitude in battling on bravely under Simon Torrens.

The winning rider said; "I needed every yard of the straight and it was a hotter race in Listowel where she ran very well and did her best work at the end. The drop back into a weaker race with a longer straight suited her.

"She made hard enough work of it but got there in the end, which is all that matters."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes