Jumping in third, Diol Ker finished with a flourish from the last to win under Michael Stenson© Photo Healy Racing
Unfortunately second favourite Tower Bridge was pulled up injured after the third last in the Signsplus Hurdle at Limerick, a contest that went to Diol Ker after an exciting conclusion.
A mistake at the last put paid to the chance of eventual third, Clondaw Secret as Diol Ker finished off best to catch and beat pace setter Born By The Sea by a neck.
Noel Meade has care of 6/4 favourite Diol Ker for Gigginstown House Stud, and he was back over flights after three outings over fences.
"That's my first winner for Noel and it is great to get it eventually. I am with Noel full-time for a year and a half and was with Ted Walsh previously for three or four years," explained Stenson.
"We went no gallop and as soon as we started to quicken on a bit he started to miss hurdles. I thought I was beaten at the top of the hill but he stayed at it well and won with a bit up his sleeve."
The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Ms. Aveena O'Keeffe, that Mr L.P. Gilligan, rider of Born By The Sea, had presented himself to weigh out at two pounds overweight, which was not declared at declaration time. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards allowed the overweight on this occasion but were satisfied that Mr. L. P. Gilligan was in breach of both Rule 195 and rule 198 and having considered his record in this regard the Stewards fined Mr. L. P. Gilligan €150 on this occasion.
(TW & EM)
