Blood proves best in bumper

Band Of Blood prevailed in a driving finish to the bumper at Thurles this afternoon.

The well backed 15/8 favourite Cyprian Prince (5/1 in morning) took them along in the two-miler but gave way entering the straight as The Pounds hit the lead.

Band Of Blood charted a wide course turning for home as Richie Kiely went in search of better ground.

It developed into a final furlong duel between The Pounds and Band Of Blood and the Philip Fenton-trained Gigginstown gelding stuck his head out at the right time to gain a head victory.

The 10/3 winner had won a point-to-point almost a year ago before finishing a fine third in a Limerick bumper behind a smart looking sort in Kauto Grand Mogol (half-brother to Kauto Star).

“I was very worried when I saw the rain,” said Fenton afterwards.

“He'll go for a winners bumper now and we'll keep him as a novice hurdler for next season.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)