Tom Doyle once again showed what an excellent rider he is from the front when scoring aboard Steele's Rock in the Kilkenny Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Kieran Purcell 's mount kicked clear before halfway in the two-and-a-half mile contest and still had a healthy advantage turning for home. Ferris Bueller tried in vain to throw down a challenge in the straight but could only get within three-and-a-half lengths.

"He likes good ground but if it goes any quicker he night be left off," said Purcell. "We might look for a novice hurdle for him now."