Punters finally got their turn following a couple of surprises as well-backed 5/1 favourite Ball Of Blue came out on top in the www.limerickraces.ie Special Packages (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle for trainer Philip Fenton and rider James “Corky” Carroll.

The Presenting gelding travelled well to lead before two out, and kept on well to beat Royal Chukka by five and a half lengths. The Bar Stool was a further length and three quarters back in third.

“He was very consistent through the winter and at long last has got his name on the scoresheet,” said Fenton.

“He'll jump a fence in time, and the better ground was a help as he has laboured a bit on the heavy ground.”