Puncher Clinch proved strongest in desperate conditions for the Donnelly's Of Barna Auction Race at Galway.

Kevin Manning sent the son of Azamour on turning for home and he galloped on strongly to score by two-and-a-half lengths from Milvian Bridge

Trainer Jim Bolger was absent. The race was delayed for almost ten minutes as alterations took place on the track due to a bad patch of ground.

The course was also hit by heavy rain as the runners paraded for the contest.