Brookie battles to make most of opportunity

Brookie emerged on top after a good duel with Walk With Paul to make the most of getting in as third reserve in the first division of the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.

Tony Martin's charge went to post a 10/11 shot after getting a run in the two-miler and tracked the leaders throughout under Liam McKenna.

The Policy Maker gelding was produced to challenge two from home and battled it out with newcomer Walk With Paul down to the last.

There was little to separate the pair in the closing stages with Brookie just holding his rival by half a length close home.

The winner had run well in handicap company last time, when fourth at Tipperary, and had an official rating of 110.

"He was very far down the (ballot) list, which surprised me as he had finished second in a bumper and was third in a hurdle but fortune was on our side that it was divided,” said Martin.

"He is a nice horse, has plenty experience and will make a nice chaser. He jumps well, that is probably as soft as he wants it and that's why we came here as we thought it wouldn't be as deep on the inside track, as other places.

"We'll find nice ground for him next, maybe at Leopardstown over Christmas.

"He is owned by a great man (Philip Rugg) who comes over every time the horse is running so it is great it worked out for him."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)