The 2m4f bumper was quite the test of stamina and only half of the 12 runners completed the course.

The 6/5 favourite Lovely Hurling was given a patient steer by John Gleeson and came through to lead in the straight.

Despite running green in front, he wasn't hard pressed to beat Laramie by five lengths with the pair clear of the remainder.

Colm Murphy 's five-year-old had shown promise in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse over Easter.

Gleeson said:- “It was a nice performance. He's a big horse, by Walk In The Park out of a Galileo mare, bred by Mr McManus. He's a fine big horse and gave me a nice feel. That was nice.

“It's riding a bit dead and we went a nice gallop on the ground. It's a bit tiring out there but he did it nicely. Please God he'll be a nice horse for the autumn.”

Quotes from Gary Carson