Justicialism, left, wins race two by a neck© Photo Healy Racing
Justicialism came out on the right side of a battle with Doctor Churchill in the two mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown.
The 9/2 shot was among a host of horses stacked up behind Grand Revival racing to three out. He made good headway on the inner and delivered a challenge to the leader at the next.
Shane Fitzgerald sent him on upon landing from a hard-at-work Grand Revival. Doctor Churchill began to wind up his bid in a closing third.
Grand Revival dropped out of contention coming to the last as Doctor Churchill made sustained progress to grab a narrow lead off Justicialism.
He still held a slight advantage on the run-in as Justicialism battled hard on his inner. In the last 50 yards, Justicialism got his measure, though, and won by a neck. He repaid plenty of support from a morning price of 14/1.
Doctor Churchill was the 6/4 favourite and had to settle for a runner-up prize.
Northern trainer Brian Hamilton said: "He was tough out. He never shows a whole pile at home, you can never get too excited about his work at home.
“I was well happy with him there today, where we go now I don't know.
“I thought he was harshly enough handicapped but we were alright! The plan was to try and get him handicap ready and it worked out grand.
“That is the owner Norman Houston's first winner on the track. Kevin Ross bought him for us in Newmarket at the July Sales.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
