Iron Duke (right) jumps the last for Gavin Sheehan© Photo Healy Racing
Iron Duke gave bookmakers at Cork some relief when the unconsidered 33/1 chance made all to land the two mile handicap hurdle.
Partnered by Gavin Sheehan, on a flying visit from the UK, the grey gelding showed admirable battling qualities to hold off a number of challenges in the straight.
The Ivor Kingston-trained six-year-old kept on well on the run-in to beat Mac Tigue (14/1) by a length and a half, with Grey Bunting (20/1) another three quarters of a length away in third.
Top-weight Rodriguez (14/1) completed the placings in fourth.
Sheehan said, “I’m with Charlie Mann since the end of last August and things are going well. I’m flying back tomorrow, and had four winners last week.”
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
