Bitsandpieces sprang a surprise in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, just denying the 7/2 favourite She's Made It

Successful in a maiden hurdle at Tipperary in April of 2015, the Mick Winters trained victor had a setback in training, and wasn't seen again until January of last year.

A good third at Killarney in May, he since disappointed on his two most recent starts, and was sent off a 16/1 chance (from 20s) this afternoon.

Settled in mid-division by Simon Torrens, the nine-year-old son of Milan came with his effort on the outer from the second last, and had a good battle with She's Made It from there, with just a neck separating them at the line.

Liam Gilligan was aboard the runner-up for Padraig Roche, while Clementina (8/1) and Still Alive (25/1) were third and fourth respectively.

Winters said afterwards: "He is a talented kind of horse but is rigid and is a boardy type. He fell on his second run over fences.

"The ground was beautiful today and being a horse with a bit of age, like ourselves, might have aches and pains and it was easier to get through it today.

"He (Torrens) gave him a great ride; I told him to give him plenty light and hunt him around and enjoy yourself and he did that.

"His suspensories got jarred after he won at Tipperary and he had one run last year but we had to let him off again as my horses were sick. He's a fella who could turn up again and do a job and he could go over fences now."

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.A. Doyle, rider of Bazarov trained by John O. Clifford, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was hampered at the fourth last hurdle by the faller.

The Stewards enquired into an incident after the third last hurdle involving Broder ridden by A. McCurtin, Clementina (FR), ridden by E. O'Connell and Still Alive (GB), ridden by C.J. Orr. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes