Cave Court books his Punchestown Festival ticket
Cave Court, left, has too much for Hartur D'arc
© Photo Healy Racing
Cave Court brought up his sixth career success in the Albert Bartlett Qualifier Handicap Hurdle.
Regular pilot Oran McGill (fifth win on him) guided him into contention two out and the pair led at the final flight.
They were pestered on the run-in by 7/2 favourite Hartur D'arc and Keith Donoghue on their inner, but found that bit extra in the closing stages.
The 9/2 shot won by a length and a-quarter from the 'jolly'. Must Go Now (13/2) made up plenty of ground for third, beaten two and a-half lengths.
Noel Kelly said: “He just ran into a wee bit of trouble the last day in Leopardstown (second).
“He’s qualified now for the final of this series in Punchestown, and we might run in a few chases so not to abuse his hurdle mark.
“He’s a class act of a horse. The wee jockey knows him well and gave him a serious ride.”
This was eight-year-old gelding Cave Court's fourth victory over hurdles to go with two over fences.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee