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Mexico battles to justify short price in bumper

Sizing Mexico looked a horse with a future when grinding out success in the concluding bumper at Fairyhouse.

Sent to the front two furlongs out by Nina Carberry the even-money favourite battled well to see off the persistent challenge of Toor Brook Honours by a length-and-a-quarter.

"To be honest I didn't know if he would have the pace for a bumper, but he's just a very good horse" said trainer Henry de Bromhead afterwards.

"Paul Nolan said he really liked the horse that was second to him in his point-to-point.

"Some times stepping up from point-to-points to bumpers you can get caught out but not this time.

"He's a lovely horse and one to look forward to - he's only a frame. We could possibly go for a bumper at Naas in February. It's 2m3f and the further the better for him." Kings County Star who had been the subject of a big morning gamble (12/1 to 5/2) led before dropping away tamely in the straight to finish eleventh.

There was controversy surrounding the Paul Gilligan-trained gelding with the Stewards only deciding late on to allow a change of jockey.

Robbie McNamara took over from 7lb claimer Elizabeth Lynch, who was reported to be ill.