Winner for Bryan Cooper© Photo Healy Racing
Bishops Road battled gamely to land the spoils in the Racecourse Of The Year Handicap Chase at Leopardstown.
Bryan Cooper had the Henry De Bromhead-trained Gigginstown gelding to the fore throughout in the 2m5f contest and he kicked a few lengths clear turning for home.
7/4 favourite Heathfield came with a late charge on the run-in and strongly pressed his market rival in the closing stages, just failing by a head at the line.
The 2/1 winner was making his handicap debut having chased home the useful looking Jarry D'Honneur in a beginners event at Punchestown ten days ago.
It appeared that Heathfield had been struck in the face by Cooper's whip in the closing stages and connections of the runner-up lodged an objection. However it was over-ruled.
De Bromhead said afterwards: "He jumped slow at Punchestown and the time before but he jumped great today. I'd say the penny is only starting to drop with him. He had a year off and then was thrown in to novice chases.
"He could get an entry in the 2m5f novice handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival but I will have to check with the owners first to see what they want to do."
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
