Effernock battles gamely to score

Effernock Lad showed a great attitude as he battled back to secure victory in the Lougher Stables Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown.

The Generous gelding made most of the running, under Mark Flanagan, and was tackled over the second last by 2/1 favourite Beautiful Ben

That rival looked set to get on top on the run-in but Effernock Lad rallied gamely to lead again close home for a neck victory at odds of 10/1.

Trainer Ger Keane said afterwards: "He's had a few problems. He ran well in Sligo when he needed the run on his first run back.

"In Wexford he pulled too hard and didn't get the two-and-a-half miles. He was just running too freely and not getting home.

"He did win over 2m5f in the past but it was a slowly run race and the main thing was dropping him back in trip today."