Gimli bounces back in style

Gimli's Rock bounced back to form in some style when landing a nice pot in the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise EBF Handicap at the Curragh.

Fran Berry sent his mount for home a furlong-and-a-half out and he galloped on strongly to record a three-length success. Top Spin won the battle for second, ahead of Flowers Of Spring with Fosters Cross taking the fourth spot.

The winner had disappointed on his last outing at Punchestown but a spell in the field seems to have revitalised him.

"He's a very very hardy boy. That's probably the easiest he's ever won," said trainer Jessica Harrington.

"We gave him a break after Punchestown as he didn't run that well.

"(Owner) Geoffrey (Ruddock) asked me why he wasn't going to Down Royal last week for the Ulster Derby but I told him he wouldn't be ready in time and we would go here instead.

"He likes it here and the ground was perfect - good ground.

"He'll go for the Galway Hurdle now. He failed to get into it last year but will have no trouble this time."