Clei just holds on in feature

Bothair Clei recorded his second staying handicap success this term, adding to four previous point-to-point wins, when landing the featured UCC Horse Racing Society Handicap Hurdle.

The Snurge gelding led after two out for in-form rider Philip Enright but had to be driven right out in the closing stages to withstand the late effort of Globalized by a head. The Bishop Looney was prominent throughout in this €22,500 three-mile test but could find no extra on the run-in to finish four and a half lengths back in third.

Winning trainer Donie Murphy said, “He idled a bit when he got to the front but he’s a good straying horse and it was a nice pot to win.

“He’ll go chasing next season but if the ground is not too quick at Fairyhouse there is a three-mile handicap hurdle for him there.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes