Abraham toughs it out well

Abraham got the better of outsider Jocular at the end of a mile and six in Killarney tonight.

Jocular (20/1) was off the bridle turning for home as Abraham stalked him. As Jocular was ridden, Abraham was pushed along to head him inside the three furlong marker.

However, Jocular kept finding for Wayne Lordan and the two horses were locked together with a quarter of a mile to go.

Abraham held a very narrow lead in the final furlong but was ridden by Declan McDonogh to move ahead inside the final 100 yards and win by a length at 5/2. Ebayya the 4/9 favourite couldn't reel the front pair in and had to settle for third, beaten three and three quarter lengths by the winner.

Trainer Shay Barry said: "He was unlucky the last day as he nearly got knocked down.

"He's a grand horse, was bought to go hurdling and has been schooled and jumps well.

"He'll tip away for the summer and wants a little dig in the ground."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes