Willyouwalkwithme and Shane Fitzgerald (left) jump the last © Photo Healy Racing
Willyouwalkwithme made all under Shane Fitzgerald to win the Northern Ireland On Course Bookmakers Association.co.uk Handicap Hurdle.
A course and distance winner on good ground in June, the Morozov gelding was pressed by a couple of pursuers between the final two flights but went away on the run-in to account for Fassbender by four and a half lengths.
There was market support in the morning for the 6-year-old, who shortened from 20s into 4/1 at one stage, but he drifted back out to a starting price of 10/1.
Winning owner/trainer Harry Smyth, who had gone close with Zagnzig at Sligo on Wednesday, said: "That was a good, game effort. Early on (in his career) he was 55 lengths behind Envoi Allen so he's no fool. He has ability.
"Today I thought would have been a bit soft for him.
"Shane (Fitzgerald) gave him a good ride and is very good value for his 7lb.
"There was (plenty of money for him this morning), I probably started it but it wasn't all mine.
"I'm 85 in another three weeks but there will be no partying as I don't drink."
The ground was changed to yielding to soft, soft in places after the running of this race.
Quotes from Michael Graham
