Patrick O'Brien steers Jerk over the final flight© Photo Healy Racing
William Durkan 's Jerk outstayed the favourite From The Ashes in the QuinnBet Handicap Hurdle over three miles in Leopardstown.
Jerk and Patrick O'Brien went for home before the last and got first run on From The Ashes who raced in third at that stage.
Well-backed From The Ashes (9/4f) moved into second over the last and kept coming, but Jerk was able to repel him by three-parts of a length at 17/2. Balum completed the placings 10 lengths away in third at 7/1.
Assistant trainer Gary Bannon said: “It's tough conditions and he stays well.
“He's a horse that's been immature and grown rapidly at home. He didn't show us much last year and had only the one run.
“We said we'd come back this year and he's been better from run to run. It was much better the last day and we said we'd step him up in trip.
“He looks like a real chaser in the making. Hopefully he'll keep improving.
“He'll probably have one more run in Punchestown and we'll put him away because he's a big horse.
“It's great for the lads (Three D Partnership), they are good supporters. Bill's sons have put a lot into the yard, a lot of money and a lot of horses.”
This was a breakthrough victory for Jerk.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
