Deiz does the business despite ground fears

Fest Deiz got his head in front close home to land the spoils in a good finish to the Junction Handicap Hurdle at Tipperary.

Four jumped the last in with chances in the two-and-a-half mile contest with Isotope having a narrow lead at the back of the flight.

Donagh Meyler got a good tune out of Fest Deiz on the run-in as he got his head in front in the last 50 yards for a head victory.

The Kieran Purcell-trained gelding had been eighth in the Red Mills Auction Final at Punchestown on his return to action last month and went to post a 7/1 shot this afternoon.

“He is a lovely horse and we thought up to now he wanted good ground," said Purcell.

“We were concerned to see the heavy ground down the back (straight) but he seems to go on any ground now. He was never as well in himself as today.

"We have no plan but will stay hurdling for the summer."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)