Vinnie enjoys stamina test

"It was the first time we stepped him up to three miles - he has been crying out for it in fairness to the horse and hopefully if he's ok he will win another at this level," said trainer Eamonn O'Connell after his Be My Vinnie gained the day after an exciting conclusion to the 59 Hospitality Packages At Limerick Racecourse Handicap Hurdle.

Ridden by O'Connell's son Eoin, Be My Vinnie was slowly away and he raced towards the rear.

The 8/1 shot made some progress four out, and with further headway from the next he found himself in third entering the straight.

Breaking his duck at the age of nine, the winner was ridden to chase The Church Gate after the last. He got there at the finish to prevail by a head. The front two left favourite For Carmel three and a half lengths back in third.

Tramore will be the next port of call for Be My Vinnie.

O'Connell's previous runner to this was a winner too - Bluegrass Princess (20/1) at Naas last Sunday.

The Stewards received a report from Mr. Hugh Hynes, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that L.J. McGuinness , rider of Gold Smoke , weighed in at 1.1 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the rider was in breach of Rule 231 and having taken his previous record in this regard into account, they suspended him for two racedays.

(TW & EM)