Gary Carson
Burke & Hogan combine again with Gocheck
Gocheck (far side) beats Desertmore Stream
© Photo Healy Racing
Gocheck stuck his head out to claim the concluding bumper at Thurles for Tom Hogan and Johnny Burke.
Gigginstown's point-to-point recruit Desertmore Stream was sent off the 5/4 favourite for the finale and looked set to collect when cruising into the lead early in the straight.
Burke challenged onGocheck with a furlong to go, however, and Desertmore Stream couldn't repel his charge, going down by a neck after the pair battled it out in the closing stages.
The 12/1 winner was confirming the improvement he had shown when third at Limerick ten days ago.
It was a second bumper winner in a week for Hogan and Burke, who had also combined with the impressive Neck Or Nothing at Punchestown last Thursday.
“He pulled very hard the last day and failed to settle so I was anxious to drop him in today. He picked up very well and has plenty of gears. I'd say he's a good horse.”” said Burke afterwards.
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)