Digeanta (nearside) and Yes Way Hosay are locked together at the line© Photo Healy Racing
Digeanta successful on his debut in a soft ground Cork bumper back in July, followed up on contrasting ground conditions in the Golf Membership at Gowran 2013 Maiden Hurdle but only after a power-packed drive from Ruby Walsh. Yes Way Hosay (7/2), a very creditable fifth to Champagne Fever in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, looked sure to land the spoils when cruising to the front after two out.
However Bryan Cooper knew he had a battle on his hands as the Willie Mullins-trained gelding began to close ominously at the last in this two and a half miles event.
The 6/1 chance benefitted from a really strong ride by the former champion, gradually closing the gap to get up on the line for a nose verdict. Spot Fine (3/1jt fav) could find no extra in the straight to finish another four and three quarter lengths back in third.
Walsh said, "I said I wasn't going to be in front until halfway up the run-in but I didn't mean to leave it that late!
"He's schooled better at home in behind horses so that's why I wanted a lead. But I didn't want to be that far back, and he did well to win."
(AM & GC)
