Thrilled To Bits made the long trip south from Andy Oliver's Co Tyrone base to win the Cork Racecourse Handicap at Cork today, scoring from five pounds out of the handicap, under Niall McCullagh.

The daughter of Tagula quickened well in the final furlong for a two and three parts of a length win over Danehill Brook

Oliver wasn't present himself but McCullagh, riding at bottom-weight (8st4lbs), later mentioned “I was thinking about staying at home and having Sunday lunch but Andy really fancied her and she has obviously improved from two (years old) to three.

“There might be a bit more improvement in her and I think she might be ok.”

By Thomas Weekes