Buckers Bridge (right) and Twinlight battle it out© Photo Healy Racing
Buckers Bridge stuck his head out in the dying strides to grab victory at the post in the Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan. Twinlight cut out in the running in the 2m1f event but was tackled at the third last in the Grade 2 contest by Henry De Bromhead's charge.
The long-time leader appeared to be travelling best at the second last but came off the bridle going to the final fence.
He maintained a narrow advantage for most of the run-in but Andrew Lynch conjured more from Buckers Bridge late on to snatch victory by a head.
The 7/2 winner had lost his unbeaten record when last seen at Fairyhouse in December, finishing a tailed off last in the Grade 1 Drinmore Chase.
He had previously landed a point-to-point, two bumpers and a chase.
“He disappointed at Fairyhouse the last day so we backed off him and gave him a bit of a break. He seems to be back as good as ever,” said de Bromhead.
“He jumped super and battled well. I hope that trip was a bit sharp for him and we'll step him up a bit in distance.
“He's entered in the Jewson at Cheltenham. I also put him in the novice handicap chase but he probably won't be qualified for that now.”
Stan James make the winner a 20/1 shot, from 40/1, for the Jewson Chase at Cheltenham.
The stewards enquired into the improvement in form of the winner and de Bromhead explained to them that the gelding had had a hard race when winning in Punchestown and that he had given him a break after disappointing at Fairyhouse subsequently. Dedigout was sent off 5/4 favourite but proved disappointing back in fourth.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
