Band Of Blood recorded his fourth victory under rules when defying top-weight in the 2m4f handicap hurdle at Cork.

Recently crowned champion claiming rider Kevin Sexton took a valuable 5lb off his back, and sent the Philip Fenton-trained gelding to the front with over a circuit to run.

The 5/1 second favourite, beaten just five lengths in a competitive three-mile event at the Punchestown Festival last week, took control in the straight and had little trouble coming home four lengths clear of Alf Wright Tipped Up Harry was another length and a half away in third, while 13/8 favourite Suffren proved a bitter disappointment beating just one home.

Fenton indicated afterwards that the son of King’s Theatre can now look forward to a summer out on grass.