For the vast majority of the two miles one furlong of the Mulholland Bookmakers Beginners Chase, those that supported Pierse Hurdle hero, Barker from 6/4 into 11/10 would have been more than happy. However when the grey ran down two out, when in front, he was quickly put under pressure by The Last Hurrah and couldn't raise his game to the challenge.

On either side of the track on the run-in, The Last Hurrah kept on best to prevail by three parts of a length. Both the first and second where having their first starts over fences and this was obviously a very good heat for the venue.

Eamonn Leigh, representing the successful handler, Jessica Harrington, said of the 7/1 shot ridden by his son Andrew, "He did all the schooling on this fellow at home, some of it over poles and it's all paid off. He ran on the flat at Galway and didn't take much interest in it and going at this game has helped in that respect." (EM)