Compensation for Cusack's Snugsborough Hall

Smart chaser Snugsborough Hall (15/2) made the most of his lower rating over hurdles when landing the Easy Clean Limited Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Eoin Walsh.

The 10-year-old led before two out and just held on in a driving finish to beat the long-absent Definite Plan (40/1) by a short head.

The winner had run really well to be fourth in the Topham Chase at Aintree before losing all chance when baulked at the start of a handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival.

He gained recompense here with a fifth career success.

"He got taken out in Fairyhouse when he was going to win a good pot and then the last day (when pulled up at Punchestown) so all you can do is go home and put your thoughts together.

"We said we'd wait for a niceish pot to use our hurdles mark and he seemed in good form. I thought I had him better going to Punchestown than previously for Aintree and seemed to be coming to himself and was better again since.

"He was seven on the ballot but got in and Eoin gave him a lovely ride.

"He might have a little break now with a view to the Galway Plate - there isn't really much for him between now and then but might have a hurdle run before Galway."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes