Fox proves tough in finale

Ballea Fox prevailed in a driving finish to the concluding David Trundley Artist Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon. Ask Mary had made a lot of the running in the three-mile contest and after looking like she was back-peddling going to the third last she came to lead again turning for home.

Ballea Fox claimed her at the last but was all out in the closing stages as the mare, and then Ice Cool pressed hard.

The Seamus Spillane-trained gelding held on at the line by a half a length. Ice Cool just prevailed for the runner-up spot, a nose ahead of Ask Mary.

The 5/1 winner had been runner-up to Cahirdown Boy on his previous outing at Thurles.