Bugscuffle justifies market support under Maxwell The well-backed Bugscuffle made the breakthrough on his third start for Andrew McNamara as he claimed the Burke's Clonbur Handicap Hurdle. Previously trained by John Neilan, the September Storm eight-year-old was third of 18 behind Thecornerhouse when last seen at Down Royal on St Patrick's Day. Available at 12/1 in early shows, the 84-rated victor eventually went off at just 9/2 under 7lb claimer Dillon Maxwell. Settled in mid-division, he took closer order from three out and improved into a share of the lead on the approach to the last. Soon ridden on the inner, he gained the upper hand inside the final 100 yards, going on to see off the effort of Glenmalure Lodge by two-and-a-half lengths. The runner-up, who got in as a reserve, was returned at 17/2 under James O'Sullivan for Philip Rothwell, while Hanoi Jane (4/1fav) was another four-and-three-parts of a length back in third. "The owners are from Donegal and I think they'd a few quid on him, so they're happy," McNamara revealed. "They're new enough to the game and are good craic, I'm sure they'll give it a good kick tonight. They have another horse with me who hasn't been as lucky as this lad yet, but he'll get going at some stage, I'm sure. "I'm delighted to get today out of him and I'd be hoping there's more in him but I don't have him that long. "He has the same mark over fences and you'd be hoping off that mark there might be a day in him doing that as well. "He knuckled down well there and picked up plenty under pressure, in fairness to him." The winner is owned in partnership by Denis O'Mahony, Daibheid McHugh & Desmond Kelly. STEWARDS REPORTS * Shane Fenelon, rider of Sulafaat, trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Everystep Oftheway, trained by Oliver McKiernan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
