Mark Walsh (possible arm injury) and Davy Russell came to grief on Lahaag and Winter Breeze respectively, on the hurdles on the approach to the straight, in the Killinan Maiden Hurdle at Thurles, and had to miss out on later rides. However, in the end in the two miler, there was no disputing Samson Bill s total dominance under trainer/jockey Denis Hogan.

The well-backed 4/1 shot came through from mid-division, and he was left second at the third last. He led early in the straight and drew clear approaching the last, for an easy eight length win from Silent Wish

"He's always threatened to do that. His run at Christmas was very good behind Pylonthepressure," stated Hogan.

"Maybe he should have won his bumper, but we were putting him down for a stayer, just because he was second in a point. He's built like, and travels like a stayer. He actually has the gears for two though.

"Some of those bumpers you need to be a two and a half mile, or three mile horse at this time of year.

"After the last day-over two miles six here-I said lads (owners, the Clashbeg Syndicate) there's nothing that happened other than that he didn't stay.

"Two to two and a half miles and chasing will be his game. He's built for that. We won't knock him about this year, he might have one more run, maybe at Fairyhouse. It'll be all about chasing next year. He's a big horse and I wouldn't run him on quick ground.

"Willie Carey (also bred Samson Bill) from Carey Glass in Nenagh has been with me a while so it's great to get a winner for him." (TW & EM)