The Willie Austin trained Blacklough survived a stewards' enquiry before winning the Grade C Easter Handicap Hurdle at Cork today, helping edge winning jockey Kevin Sexton further clear in his bid to become Champion Conditional jockey.

Blacklough and runner-up Bridgequarter Girl engaged in some bumping on the run-in and while Sexton edged the winner ahead for a neck win, the subsequent enquiry found in favour of the first-past-the-post.

Austin later commented “he's a hardy horse and deserved that win having put in some great performances recently. The ground helped and long-term he'll make a nice chaser. He'll go chasing next season but will run next in a big handicap hurdle at Punchestown”

The win moves Sexton on to the 22 winner mark for the season, three clear of Jody McGarvey at the head of the Conditional Jockeys' Championship.

By Thomas Weekes