Bitofajokelike forges Coen's link with McNamara Bitofajokelike (11/4f) held on to post a victory over Kildinan Prince in the 3m1f Tipperary Maiden Hurdle. This staying assignment was less of a jumping test with two flights omitted down the back straight due to low-lying sun. Bitofajokelike made stylish headway from mid-division to grab the initiative approaching the home bend. He came under a drive from Jake Coen before the last and always looked to be holding Kildinan Prince on the run-in. however, the latter made it interesting close home as he got to within a head of the winner. William Butler (16/5) was 10 lengths back in third. Bitofajokelike was stepping up on a runner-up berth from Cork last month. Coen said: “I nearly got him beaten as I went a bit early, but he puts his head down and really tries for you. “After I rode this lad the last day, Eric (McNamara, trainer) said he wanted someone to school in the morning and I said I’d go in. I was in there this morning again and got a winner out of it, so it’s brilliant. “The owners (The Jokers Partnership) are here in good numbers and have had a few disappointments, so they deserve that. I’m sure they’ll enjoy themselves tonight! “I ride out three days for Gordon (Elliott), Peter Fahey a couple of days and Ger O’Leary as well as Eric when I can.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee
