The Ger O'Leary trained Busalla came out the better side of a photo-finish to win the St John's Literary Handicap at Listowel today.

Ridden by Shane Foley the son of Bertolini made virtually all and while strongly pressed in the straight, held a short head lead over Killourney Express at the line.

Afterwards O'Leary stated “the blinkers helped Busalla today and Shane got a flier at the start and them let him roll. He should step up to a mile and a quarter and will be entered for Leopardstown next Friday.”

He added “Busalla is named after the town in Italy where 1934 World Cup winner Luigi Bertolini was born.”

By Thomas Weekes