Rafi improves with the head-gear

There was some pretty ragged hurdling over the final three flights up the straight in the CIT SU Handicap Hurdle at Cork. That'll have mattered little to connections and supporters of 16/1 shot, Rafi De Triana as he scored by four and three parts of a length in the hands of Kevin Sexton.

The Liz Doyle stable registered a surprise success at Clonmel the week before last with Glen Beg (first time cheek-pieces) and those same 'aids' were seemingly no harm whatsoever applied for the initial occasion here on Rafi De Triana.

Tipped up on irishracing.com by Donal Murphy, Rafi De Triana headed the pace setter Do The Bookies (clear for much of the journey) at the third last.

The son of Sleeping Car was soon looking 'home and hosed' and he stayed on well from the back of the last to beat Might Be Magic (came home better than most).

Barry Murphy, Liz Doyle's partner, said: "He races in the same colours as Rich Revival who runs in the Irish National. We think he has a great chance and that'll keep the spirits up.

"I didn't think this fella was right after his run in Fairyhouse but we put cheek-pieces on today and he travelled great.

"Kevin said he got there too soon and that he idled a bit in front. He might win another one.

"We were absolutely delighted with Le Vent D'Antan (7th in the Festival Bumper) and there were just a multitude of things (against him) at Cheltenham.

"He decided to grow three weeks beforehand and the ground had also dried up a bit too much for him.

"He's still an exciting horse to have for next season and the Neptune Hurdle will hopefully be his aim." (TW & EM)