Cuban Hope justified strong market support, as he took the PRL Kilkenny Handicap under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger.

Successful at Dundalk and Navan in March, the son of Teofilo disappointed on his most recent start at Leopardstown when sent off favourite.

Having opened on-course at 5/2 this afternoon, the three-year-old colt eventually went off the clear 13/8 favourite in the colours of Jackie Bolger.

Settled in mid-division, the bay victor was pushed along from early in the straight and was ridden to lead from the furlong pole.

He kept up the gallop in the closing stages, asserting close home to score by a length and a quarter. High Street Lady (12/1) finished second under Billy Lee for Tony Martin, while Castle Guest (6/1) was another length back in third.

"I think he's a good horse," said Bolger.

"He's in again at the Curragh on Friday and he'll probably be able to win with a little penalty.

"He'll be a nice horse to go jumping in time."

STEWARDS REPORT

C.D. Hayes, rider of Greenpanda trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he was forced to check in the straight.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson