Shorecliffe King dug deep to land the spoils in the first division of the Clonoulty Handicap Hurdle at Thurles, getting the better of the determined Would You Do That in the closing stages.
Would You Do That had hit the front four from home but was tackled by Shorecliffe King and Close Comet ast the second last.
Close Comet cried enough at the final flight and it was Shorecliffe King who found more on the run-in to record a four-length victory under Paul Townend.
Trainer Philip Dempsey revealed after the success that there had been controversy following his run at Down Royal last time:-
"Eddie O'Connell rode him the last day at Down Royal and the owners weren't happy as the doctor passed him fit to ride despite the fact he had concussion and a broken collarbone."
PJ Cully, a member of the winning ACA Syndicate, revealed that he has sent a letter of complaint to the Turf Club as a result of the incident.
"We felt the last day was our day with him and we backed him. I'm not blaming the jockey but he was passed fit to ride when he shouldn't have been.
"I would just like to help rectify the matter going forward."
Dempsey was relieved that his decision to turn the gelding out again so soon paid off:-
"I took a chance running him again so soon. He'll go chasing soon enough.
"It just left a sour taste in the mouth for the owners the last day."
