King Ferdinand, near side, tackles Townhill Penny © Photo Healy Racing
King Ferdinand wore down Townhill Penny to land the spoils in Tipperary's three mile handicap hurdle.
The 8/1 shot made headway to join Townhill Penny at the final flight, but the mare on his inner was up for the fight on the run-in.
It was only close home that King Ferdinand and Eoin Walsh got her measure and they passed the post three-quarters of a length in front of the 5/1 runner-up.
Each-way backers drew a dividend from Navigator Jack (9/2f) and Fox Fearless (22/1) in third and fourth respectively.
Trainer Eugene O’Sullivan said: “It’s a local syndicate that started this time 12 months ago when I bought him in Doncaster. They are lucky to get a lovely horse and he’ll win again.
“He’s consistent, he jumps and he stays. He’s easy to train and hopefully we’ll go to Galway.”
The winner returned to wild scenes of celebration from a huge group of members from the Gortroe Racing Club.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
