Papal Lodge bridged a winless gap of two years when appreciating a step in trip to land the Thurles Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Sean Flanagan.

The Papal Bull gelding won three times for Cullentra but was sidelined for over 12 months before joining Peter Fahey this term and enjoyed this three-mile stamina test.

The seven-year-old, available at 33/1 this morning and supported into 10/1 before the off, led approaching the final flight and kept on well to beat Whatsavailable by two and a half lengths. Ballyadam Destiny was a further four and a half lengths away in third.

Fahey said, "He was looking for a step up in trip but we haven't been running many horses recently as they weren't a hundred per cent.

"He is tough and stays at it and will be better on nicer ground. He is plenty big enough to jump a fence but we'll see how he goes over hurdles first and will run away during the summer.

"It's great for my daughter Kate who is in Transition Year and rode him work last Friday and was raving about him. It is great for the owners too, who are new to the yard so this is important."

Quotes by Tom Weekes