William Du Berlais, right, chases down Old Castletown© Photo Healy Racing
Ruby Walsh's only ride at Fairyhouse on Old Castletown looked to be a winning one in the two mile handicap hurdle but Mark Walsh got a tune out of William Du Berlais to deprive them in a thrilling finish.
Old Castletown (2/1f) poached a lead of a couple of lengths coming to the second last. He was driven by Walsh upon landing as was William Du Berlais in fourth by Mark Walsh.
William Du Berlais (7/2) improved to second at the final flight and made relentless headway to get his head in front in the last strides. Ainslie flew home down the outer for third at 14/1. The distances were a head and a length.
Enda Bolger trained the winner for owner JP Manus. Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus, said: “He likes a bit of good ground and has been running well all year. He may have another run if the ground stays right for him.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
