Turf comes out best in war for the Guinness

Michael Hourigan got compensation for a second placing in yesterday's Kerry National, Adrian Heskin registered the biggest success of his career and the bookmakers got some relief when Turf War at 20/1 landed the featured Guinness Handicap Hurdle.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned French bred beat off a host of challengers on the run-in, principally Tramp Stamp (who had looked a likely scorer), Valain and the always prominent Fingers Favourite, Dani California stormed home to take fifth place.

Hourigan said afterwards: "That made up for Church Island's defeat yesterday. He is a nice horse and that is his fourth win this year. He just ran a bit too free at Ffos Las last time and just got there a bit too soon. We'll wait to go chasing with him until next year as he is a novice for this year.

"Adrian is seventeen and he looks like he'll make a jockey but there is a long road to go. He is not as strong in a finish as some of the full professionals but he has a great racing brain. It is a treat to watch him riding. For the time being his rides are confined to me before he strengthens up."