The hunters chase at Thurles turned into a real war of attrition with 25/1 shot Macs Legend pouncing on the run-in to land the spoils. Mighty Stowaway and Wounded Warrior set a strong early pace in the extended three-mile contest with the former crying enough six from home. Samurai Cracker came to take over from Wounded Warrior at the fourth last and despite a slight error at the next looked booked for success down the straight.

He got very tired from the back of the last, however, and Michael O'Sullivan delivered Macs Legend to grab him on the run-in and secure a three-and-a-half length success.

Gerard Kelleher 's charge was recording his third hunter chase victory having also been successful in six point-to-points.

The trainer's brother Mike Kelleher said afterwards:- "I didn't want to come here and killed my brother (Ger) for not going to Kildorrery next Sunday but he didn't even enter him - I thought he was out of his depth.

"I bought him for 500 euro. There was a syndicate in my home town of Macroom and Mary Hallahan was training him but the syndicate were getting rid of the horse and said 'do you want him' and I bought him for 500 euro.

"He was a maiden when I bought him and he has now won six point to points and three hunter chases. What a horse!"

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)