Butter Fingers builds Markey's experience The always-prominent Butter Fingers came home best of all to claim the Visitwexford.ie Handicap Steeplechase over two miles for Ross O'Sullivan. Tequila Talkin' attempted to make the best way home on the long run-in, however, Shane Markey got Butters Fingers rolling in pursuit and he collared the leader in the closing stages. The 10/3 favourite came in by a length and a-quarter from the 9/2 runner-up. Soldante (8/1) was another two and three-quarter lengths back in third. Butter Fingers exploited a lower chase mark in relation to his hurdle rating today. He now has a Flat handicap, a maiden hurdle and a handicap chase in his locker. Assistant trainer Tom Harney said: We’re delighted with him. He jumped like a buck and Shane gave him a great ride. “He ran a cracker the last day in Cork (sixth), in a very competitive race, and kept going well to the line. “We thought with his experience over fences that he’d have a chance. “Shane didn’t have much experience over fences and he was a good one to get him going. I’m delighted for Shane as he works hard in the yard. “I’m delighted for Tommy Ward as well, he’s a great supporter of Ross and is with him a long time. “It took him a while to get the hang of fences, he was a bit guessy for a while. The last day over fences he was very sharp so we thought with him being 7lb lower over fences he would have a little chance. “You never know as it’s tough in those lower-grade races, it’s always very competitive.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
