Dorans River clears the last under James O'Sullivan© Photo Healy Racing
Dorans River once again showed his younger rivals how it's done, as he followed-up on a recent course and distance success, coming from off the pace to land the Follow Kilbeggan On Twitter Handicap Hurdle.
Settled towards rear on the outer, the Philip Rothwell-trained 13-year-old made steady headway on the final circuit and improved into a narrow lead on the approach to the last.
Soon engaged in a tussle with Tuff Days he battled on gamely in the closing stages to see off that rival by half-a-length.
The runner-up was returned the 11/4 favourite under Mark McDonagh for Michael 'Trixie' Barry, while Tango Theatre (20/1) kept on well to take third, another three lengths back.
"He was nearly too enthusiastic and I was trying to take him back everywhere. It's great to see and fair play to all the lads at home and to Philip for getting a horse like this back in such good nick and enjoying life," winning rider James O'Sullivan said of the Tom Doran-owned victor.
"He knows more than I at this stage in life and I threw the reins down his neck and left him at it.
"He started to latch on passing horses after the second last. I was getting there plenty early but I didn't want to disappoint him.
"I thought the rain was against him but he motored away through the ground, jumped brilliant and was good and tough at the line as well."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
