Benkei, left, beats Crystal Pearl in Galway © Photo Healy Racing
The bookmakers copped a result in the concluding two mile handicap at Galway as heavily-backed Crystal Pearl was outfought by Benkei Winter Lion cut out the pace as Benkei and Connor King tracked him in second with Crystal Pearl in fifth, with Fran Berry in the plate.
Winter Lion was passed by Benkei outside the three marker as Crystal Pearl soon eased into second on his outside.
As the pair rounded the home turn it became evident that they had the race to themselves. Heartbreak City was three lengths adrift in third.
As the whip were drawn on the two main protagonists, Crystal Pearl took a narrow lead in the final 150 yards but Benkei responded well on the rail and he rallied to get up and win by half a length at 9/2. He had been as big as 8/1 this morning.
Crystal Pearl was backed from 13/2 to 9/2 before the meeting commenced and then from 9/2 to 11/4 favourite at the track. Heartbreak City was five and a half lengths back in third at 7/2. He was the springer in the morning as he was hammered down from 10/1.
Winning trainer Harry Rogers said: "It's unfortunate that Pat Smullen couldn't ride him. We went for Connor and his 3lb helped.
"He's a three mile hurdler and he gallops all day. It's nice to win for the owner (Jerry Nolan) as I've known him a long time and it's great to win a race for him here."
Connor King added: "He's very good. The race went nice and smooth for me all the way. He was even a bit lazy in behind and I pulled him out and he came alive. He battled very well, it was great.
"The ground probably helped him a little bit today as well. The two miles is probably no bother to him either. He's not finished yet.
"It's brilliant (to get a winner at the Festival). It's kind of one of the big ones during the year so it means a lot. I think it is five now before I lose the claim."
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the dip involving Heartbreak City, ridden by S.A. Shortall, placed third, Winter Lion, ridden by C.D. Hayes, unplaced and Esharaat ridden by R.P. Cleary, unplaced. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that S.A.Shortall was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
