"We persevered with him longer than we should have but he has been running well all year," said Tim Doyle after his Punches Pious (7/1) scored for the first time at the 29th time of asking in split one of the Costello's Tavern Handicap at Tipperary.

Owned by Doyle's wife Claire, Punches Pious had the assistance of Julie Burke in the saddle and in this extended seven furlong event the Antonius Pius gelding got home by half a length from Enough Is Enough having always been to the fore.

"Julie gave him a smashing ride - he is inclined to be keen early but settled today and he'll go for something similar next," further explained Doyle.

"I won this race with Northern Surprise last year and if he does half as well as him I'd be happy!

"That's Julie's first winner for me; she is from the other side of Thurles - Holycross - and is based in Kentucky but is home to renew her visa. She rides work for me."

(TW & EM)