A great leap from Lord Ben under Andrew Lynch at Tramore© Photo Healy Racing
< Lord Ben didn't have much chance according to the official ratings in the Tote Jackpot Races 3 To 6 Hurdle at Tramore, but Henry De Bromhead's eight-year-old defied the numbers to score readily.
Andrew Lynch set out to make all on the 7-2 chance, who came into the race off a fourth-place finish in a chase at the track on Thursday, and the partnership kept going relentlessly when 2-7 favourite Shamar closed in on the final circuit.
Ruby Walsh was sending out the distress signals over ther final two flights on Willie Mullins' hotpot, and Lord Ben wasn't threatened as he scored by two and three-quarter lengths despite being 24lb behind on the figures.< Ancient Days was left in front when Clara More fell five out in the Summerhill Shopping Centre Tramore Beginners Chase and Andrew McNamara made the best of his way home to land the prize for the John Queally yard.
The favourite Raajih made up plenty of ground in the closing stages, but could not get there on the short run-in and the 11-1 shot held on comfortably by two lengths.
Eoin Doyle's well-backed Alf Wright (10-3) travelled sweetly into contention for the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Directors Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Jody McGarvey, but he wasn't fluent when leading at the last and had to dig deep to hold Line View by a neck.
Tom Cooper's Derrylea Girl (8-1) won for the first time at the ninth attempt when she led four out and stayed on strongly to hold Stay In My Heart by a length and a half in the Style Evening At Tramore Races Mares Maiden Hurdle in the hands of Joe Holly.
Shark Hanlon welcomed in a winner when the Brian Hayes-ridden Baizically (9-2), left a long way in front by the fall of Flight Control galloped his rivals into submission to win the Dan Cowman Memorial Handicap Chase by 15 lengths.
