Gullinbursti wins bumper battle

Gullinbursti forged ahead inside the final furlong to see off the determined challenge of Just For Joe in a captivating finish to the bumper at Cork.

Just For Joe had taken up the running at half-way and as he turned for home was joined by Gullinbursti.

The pair settled down for a prolonged duel with Mikey Fogarty galvanising his mount to go on inside the final furlong for a two-length success. Rustic Dawn finished well for third, staying on to get within a length-and-a-quarter of the second at the line.

The winner had proved no match for He's A Delight at Gowran last time but had his turn in the spotlight today.

"That was grand, He's improving with every run and in time he'll be a lovely horse," said winning trainer PJ Colville.

"I won't run him in a winners bumper. We'll let him off for the summer and he'll come back for hurdling next season.

"Gerry Hogan bought him for me at the Land Rover sale two years ago."

There was a sting in the tail for Fogarty who was handed a two-day ban for excessive use of the whip.