Walsh drives Repeat That home for Butler

Eoin Walsh came in for a winning ride on second reserve Repeat That (12/1) in the first division of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown.

The eight-year-old gelding put in a stout staying effort to get up close home in this two and a half mile assignment. He collared the leader My Friend The Wind (7/1) and beat him three parts of a length into second. Boomtown Girl (16/5) was a further four and a quarter lengths away in third.

Walsh said: "He was doing his best work at the finish. He's a horse that stays well and I'd say a step up in trip will suit him too.

"He's a horse that is only kind of finding his feet now. He had a nice run in Navan the last day and I'd say he has come on a lot from that run.

"Michael (Butler) wasn't sure whether he would get in or not but he was confident enough that he would definitely be in the first three anyway.

"He loved the ground and hopefully he will continue improving."

Owner Patrick O Duggan quipped to photographer Liam Healy that he had been waiting 16 years for a winner.