Tuzo (nearest) beats Robin Thyme© Photo Healy Racing
The Paul Nolan-trained Tuzo just prevailed in a pulsating finish to the concluding bumper at Wexford this afternoon.
Well-backed favourite Robin Thyme soon took the lead in a slowly run contest and he fought out the finish with 15/8 shot Tuzo.
Barry O'Neill just squeezed a bit more from his mount close home as he secured a head victory.
The winner had been placed on his two previous outings in bumpers early in the year.
"The race probably wasn't run to suit any of them but Barry was very happy with him and he wasn't too hard on him," said Nolan.
"He didn't want to be in second and freeish so he said he would ride the race and see what was developing in front of him. I'm just glad to win this and it's nice to win a bumper before Willie's battalion come out.
"We have schooled him over hurdles and he was very good. I don't think we will go for a winners bumper with him but we'll see. I like him and a better pace will suit him. I'm just looking forward to getting him over jumps."
(Quotes by Donal Murphy)
