Articular lasts it out in bumper

Articular proved a game partner for Mikey Fogarty as he made a winning debut in the concluding bumper at Thurles today.

Paul Nolan 's charge hit the front turning from home in the two-miler but had to pull out all the stops in the closing stages. Anonis emerged as a big threat while long-time leader Famous Last Words kept on for pressure.

The trio flashed past the post locked together with the Close Conflict gelding getting the narrowest of nods from 33/1 shot Famous Last Words, with a Anonis a head back in third.

The winner was supported this morning (10/1 into 15/2) and was eventually sent off a 13/2 shot on course.

"He's a good tough four-year-old and we had plenty done with him," said Nolan.

"But he should still show some improvement as he was carrying plenty (of weight).

"We don't have many four-year-olds but this lad knows plenty. I thought he was going to get gobbled up late on but in the end I thought he won half a length. I was surprised it was so close."