The bumper at Limerick this afternoon produced another exciting finish with Lastofthepilots (4/1) under James 'Corky' Carroll just doing enough to hold off the late challenge of Kerrieonvic
Trained in Inch, Co Cork by Martin Fitzgerald, the winner was the most experienced horse in the race with five bumper runs to his name.
Having run well to finish eight and three parts of a length fifth to Alhellal at Roscommon in June he followed up on that run with another good effort at Fairyhouse in September when finishing four and a quarter lengths behind Alexander Nevsky.
Having chased the leaders at an ordinary pace, the son of Bach improved to challenge from over two furlongs out.
He gained a narrow lead and stayed on well inside the final furlong holding off the fast finishing Kerrieonvic (4/1) by half a length at the line.
The 11/8 favourite newcomer Kerryhead Storm for Tom Copper and Mikey O’Connor finished a further neck back in third having led the field entering the straight.
Winning trainer Michael Fitzgerald, who was enjoying his first success since Carrig Cottage won a bumper at Tramore on New Year's Eve in 2009 said afterwards: "He will go for a maiden hurdle next."
