Nero Rock battled on gamely to gain back to back wins in the rated novice hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon.

Mouse Morris' charge had opened his account at Sligo last month and doubled his tally with a convincing win in the two-mile contest for claiming riders.

Liam Quinlan let his mount jump into the lead three from home and the 9/4 favourite found plenty when pressed down the straight.

The Shirocco gelding got tight to the last but always looked like holding his challengers as he recorded a length success over Bal De Rio

It was a welcome winner for Quinlan who last enjoyed victory on Uisce Solas here in January.