Persistent recorded his third win of the season, as he led home his rivals in the Galway City & Salthill Publicans Charity Handicap Hurdle.

The Joseph O'Brien trained four-year-old was successful on his handicap debut at Killarney in June, before winning again at Tipperary on his most recent start.

He went up just five pounds for that Tipperary victory, and was sent off the 9/4 favourite (from 3s) to follow-up this afternoon.

Settled in mid-division by Barry Geraghty, the son of Montjeu appeared to have plenty to do when jumping two out in eighth.

He was soon pushed along and made good progress, coming with his challenge after the last. He then hit the front in the final 150 yards, before going on to score comfortably by two and a half lengths. St Lawrence Gap plugged on to take second under Barry John Foley for Eoin Doyle at 9/2 (12s last night), while Draycott Place (10s to 8s) was another length and three parts back in third for Danny Mullins and John Ryan.

Frank Berry, racing manager to winning owner JP McManus, said afterwards: "He's not too big but he is tough and the light weight helped again today. He handled the ground quite well, is tough and going the right way."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes