Erin battles to success

Man Of Erin produced a game battling performance to rally for victory in the seven-furlong handicap at the Curragh.

Johnny Murtagh cut out the running on the gelding but he looked set for a place at best when headed by Forgiving Light two furlongs out.

That rival started to tire inside the final furlong, however, and Bill Farrell's charge came back at him.

Man Of Erin hit the front again inside the final 150 yards and kept on well close home to score by

Forgiving Light lost second in the closing stages as Bitsanbobs and 5/2 favourite Fast On came through to dead-heat for the runner-up spot.

The easy-to-back winner (7/2 to 5/1) was recording his fourth success of the season and was bouncing back to form having been a beaten favourite on his last start here in August.

"The rider gets all the credit but he doesn't need it so I really want to give special mention to his lass Maria Richardt," said Farrell afterwards.

"She led him up and rides him at home every day. He's a difficult horse to settle and to get right mentally.

"We may pull up stumps for the year now."

Young Joe Doyle picked up a two-day ban for using his whip with excessive frequency on Fast On.

(On course reporting by Alan Magee)