Knockbrack Rambler delivers for Walsh and Shine

Knockbrack Rambler stayed on best to annex the 2m3f handicap hurdle at Limerick for jockey Cal Shine.

He made his move in third racing to the penultimate hurdle and went for home after that obstacle.

He was stout at the business end as he took the honours by a length at 4/1 from River Vale (16/1). DuffysHodey, the 3/1 favourite, came home third, four lengths off the winner.

Brendan Walsh said: "Vincent (O'Connor, from Abbeyfeale) bred him himself and he is a grand old horse. The horse that finished third behind him at Clonmel the last day won yesterday (Beggars Rock in Limerick), so the form is working out well.

"He is a good, consistent horse, but we were worried that the ground had become tacky although he got through it as he is tough.

"It's grand to get a Christmas winner."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes