Shower Cross proved another popular local winner on student raceday at Cork when taking the UCC Don’t Step On The Crest Handicap Hurdle.

Trained not far from the track at Doneraile by John Joe Walsh, the grey seven-year-old struck the front approaching the second last flight in this three-mile event.

Ambrose McCurtin had to get serious on the run-in but the 7/2 chance dug deep under pressure and stayed on best close home to beat Shannak by a length and a half.

The well-backed 3/1 favourite Mick The Jiver could find no extra on the run-in and was a further half a length away in third.

Walsh said, "He is a good stayer and stayed at it well today. It was a close race but he jumps well and will be better when the ground is drier.

"He'll run again in three weeks or a month's time."

(TW & AM)