Trainer Michael Hourigan's faith in his The Crafty Butcher is being justified in recent times and the son of Vinnie Roe landed the Grade C www.gowranpark.ie Handicap Hurdle at Gowran today under Barry Geraghty.

The Crafty Butcher, which capitalised from the slow jump by leader Aughnacurraveel at the final flight, was completing his third win in his five most recent starts and following up a recent win at Listowel and the Co Limerick trainer later stated “he was probably a shade unlucky last year once or twice and at least he's won now!”

He added “he'll make a very good chaser and whether I start now or not I'll have to discuss with the boys. He has improved from Listowel and will improve again and if he does we might bide our time over hurdles. He seems to handle all types of ground bar gluey.”

By Thomas Weekes,quotes from Gary Carson