Candle Island wore down Ice Cool on the run-in to spring a 20/1 shock in the concluding Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

Ice Cool had hit the front after the fifth flight in the 2m6f contest but was pressed by the Michael McCullagh-trained Candle Island turning for home.

Luke Dempsey gave the nine-year-old a strong drive in the closing stages to get to the front on the run-in and record a two-length success.

The former point-to-pointer faded tamely on his handicap debut at Punchestown last time but left that form well behind today.

His father Michael was on lead-up duties but flat jockey Niall McCullagh stated:- "He had been working well and we fancied him. He goes to Tramore for a 2m5f 80-102 handicap hurdle next."

Regarding his injuries he added "I met with Mr Kenny (orthopedic surgeon) recently and he was happy with my spine and shoulders. My injuries were life threatening though and all my ribs were broken and cartilage is still displaced.

"He gave them a squeeze and they were still very sore but he's going to have another look at me at the end of January and hopefully I'll be back riding for the beginning of the flat season in March."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)