The seven runner Follow Us On Facebook Hurdle at Cork today developed into a 'match' both in the betting ring and on the racecourse as 5/4 second favourite Staying Article got the better of 6/5f Blackstairmountain

Staying Article, ridden by Pat Mangan, improved to lead four out but was strongly pressed once Blackstairmountain, under Paul Townend, arrived to challenge from two out. However Staying Article battled gamely from the last to record a length win.

Afterwards winning trainer Edward O'Grady stated “we had three options with Staying Article this weekend – either come here for this, or else go to either Punchestown or Cheltenham.

“He was 10lbs 'wrong' with Blackstairmountain today but that was a good confidence booster for him. He's in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse but might instead go for a race there the day before. That was a good performance.”