Clifftop lands unlikely success under never say die Buckley ride

The Harry Rogers trained Clifftop landed what for the majority of the race looked an unlikely win when getting up close home under Kieren Buckley to take the O'Neill's Bar Beginners Chase at Tramore.

Sitting in fourth as Just Three and Moon Rise Beauty led Killinure Lass after three out, Buckley never panicked despite having plenty to do.

The latter mare found a gap between the front-runners to edge ahead on the run to two out, as Just Three gave way and Clifftop moved third.

Moon Rise Beauty made a mistake at the penultimate fence, allowing Clifftop take second but Killinure Lass looked like she had flown under Keith Donoghue.

However, Buckley closed the gap after the last, edging ahead over 100 yards out before staying on to win by two lengths.

Harry Rogers said: "I have to say Kieren was very good on him because he didn't travel. He didn't jump the way he normally jumps, it probably came a bit quick after Wexford.

"I have to hand it to Kieren, he won the race. He was the last one to get into it and it worked out. The horse deserved it, he has been knocking on the door and he'll get a little break now."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy.