Three Bells defied top-weight with a game effort under Wayne Lordan in the La Bucca Restaurants Handicap at Fairyhouse.

Pat Downey 's charge was knocked around coming out of the stalls but soon settled in behind the leaders in the six furlong contest.

The 7/1 shot came with a strong surge inside the final furlong to hit the front and record a length-and-three-quarter victory over Fairy Foxglove

He was bouncing back after a disappointing effort in Sligo last time and Downey said:-

"I don't know what happened in Sligo the last day. He had a bad draw and never came down the hill.

"He won this race two years ago and he's been a great old servant. He's won four times now.

"He may go to Bellewstown on Friday. We'll see how he comes out of this race." Longfield Lad was sent off the 10/3 favourite and finished third after making much of the running.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)