Bridge just holds on in Cesarewitch thriller

Fisher Bridge clung on by his fingernails after a power-packed ride from rising star Colin Keane in the Victoria Square Ulster Cesarewitch at Down Royal this evening.

The eventual winner and Annakrista disputed at the head of affairs in the 2m2f event and the pair went clear of the field early on.

Keane, recording a quick double on the card, kicked for home at the top of the hill on Fisher Bridge as his fellow front-runner faded.

Crystal Earth who had sat a moderate third throughout, tried valiantly to chase in the straight and whittled down the lead inside the final furlong.

He just failed to peg back Fisher Bridge at the line as Noel Meade's charge held on by a fast diminishing head at the post.

8/1 winner Fisher Bridge is certainly an advertisement for versatility, having been fourth over fences on his last outing at Killarney.

"I thought he went mad, too quick altogether, but five pounds off and a good claimer helped. I'm delighted for him as his father worked for me for years,” said Meade.

“The plan was to go for the Kerry National, but he probably won't get in. I think he needs nine to come out. If he gets in he'll run. I was kicking myself he didn't run at Galway earlier in the week. He's tough."

There were three 6/1 co-favourites in the race with Bensoon faring best when staying on into third. Moveable Asset was fifth while Zemario beat just one home.

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)