Jolily grinds out Molony Cup success

Jolily ground out a hard fought victory in attritional conditions in the Molony Cup Handicap Chase at Thurles.

Testing ground took it's toll on the runners with only six of the 17 runners completing the three-mile trip.

Martin Burke did well to sit on his mount after a mistake five from home and he worked his way into contention entering the straight.

Tim Doyle 's charge battled it out with Cochise from the second last but just started to edge ahead of that rival before the final fence.

The 7/1 shot kept on well for pressure to record a two-length victory. 5/4 favourite Bundle Of Fun proved a major disappointment, pulling up six out.

The race is sponsored by the Molony family, who own the racecourse, and Doyle was delighted to land the prize:-

"It's a grand race to win and is a famous cup in these parts. It's my first time winning it.

"He deserves to win as he's been running consistently all year and is as tough and honest as you get.

"We'll probably wait until the middle of January before running again. He needs a minimum of three miles."

It was a welcome winner for Burke, whose last success had come in March of this year.

The 7lb claimer endured a terrible summer when breaking his shoulder and also suffering a fractured collarbone.