Diamongeezer Luke regains winning thread

Diamondgeezer Luke picked up summer victories in Ballinrobe and Bellewstown before being pulled up in Tipperary, but he bounced right back to form with a Cork handicap hurdle success.

He made progress to dispute the lead at the third last and led on his own at the penultimate obstacle. Res Ipsa Loquitur improved into second at that hurdle and was the only danger. A good jump at the last sealed the spoils for Diamongeezer Luke and 7lb-claimer Andrew Ring.

Res Ipsa Loquitur (10/1) was beaten five lengths into second. Nevski, who had made the running until Diamongeezer Luke joined him at the third last, kept on for third at 16/1. May Dullea the 5/1 favourite, stayed on from rear to get fourth-placed money.

Trainer Flan Costello said: “The ground beat him the last day. It was very soft down the far end. We’ll pick another handicap for him.”

The seven-year-old gelding was backed early doors today from 16/1 to 9/1, however, his SP was 12/1.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes