Well-backed True Destiny proved too hot for Florey Spud in the closing stages of Sligo's Benbulben Handicap Hurdle today, notching an eighth career success and a second course-and-distance win for trainer James Lambe.

Successful over today's 2m4f distance last October, the eight-year-old was a late market springer (16/1 to 10/1) in today's race, coming to the boil on the run-in to eventually mash Florey Spud.

Winning jockey Liam McKenna, successful in last summer's Galway Hurdle, commented "he's not a bad horse and the jumps keep him interested as he's getting older. He seems to click around here.

“James gave him a real good hard piece of work last week and was expecting a big run. He thought he'd be in the money.

"We went a good gallop which suits him as he's a real stayer, he was third over 2m5f at Goodwood a few years ago and today they came back to him, which played into his favour.

"We were lucky the rain came as he appreciated it - although they're just kicking the top off and it's still good ground underneath."

Quotes from Mark Nunan