Blood proves best in bumper Band Of Blood prevailed in a driving finish to the bumper at Thurles this afternoon. The well backed 15/8 favourite Cyprian Prince (5/1 in morning) took them along in the two-miler but gave way entering the straight as The Pounds hit the lead. Band Of Blood charted a wide course turning for home as Richie Kiely went in search of better ground. It developed into a final furlong duel between The Pounds and Band Of Blood and the Philip Fenton-trained Gigginstown gelding stuck his head out at the right time to gain a head victory. The 10/3 winner had won a point-to-point almost a year ago before finishing a fine third in a Limerick bumper behind a smart looking sort in Kauto Grand Mogol (half-brother to Kauto Star). “I was very worried when I saw the rain,” said Fenton afterwards. “He'll go for a winners bumper now and we'll keep him as a novice hurdler for next season.” (Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
