Friendless Bulletin wins for McNamara

Irish Bulletin sprang a 20/1 (was as short as 8's last night) surprise in the David Fitzgerald Memorial Handicap Hurdle, scoring under Mark Walsh for Eric McNamara and owner JP McManus.

A winner over the course and distance in July, the six-year-old son of Invincible Spirit since disappointed at Galway and Ballinrobe respectively.

His last run came over fences, and back over flights today he was settled behind the leaders.

He came with his challenge between horses entering the straight, and he was pushed along to lead after two out, keeping on well under pressure on the run-in to score by two lengths. A Decent Excuse who was sent off the 4/1 favourite, finished second under David Mullins for Eugene O'Sullivan, while War Of The Pennys (14/1) was another two and a quarter lengths back in third under Conor Walsh for Don Cashman.

Eric McNamara said afterwards: "That's the third time he's won around Limerick and he stays well. Mark gave him a good confident ride.

"We decided to ride him a bit more prominent today because when he gets crowded or into a battle he can give up the ghost.

"He wouldn't like the ground too heavy."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards requested a report from E. McNamara, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Irish Bulletin, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Frank Berry, authorised representative for the trainer, reported that this horse had disappointed in the past for no apparent reason and attributed the win to a liking for this track having won here twice before. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered

Additional reporting by Alan Magee