Up with the pace was probably the best place to be in a packing field for the Kilbeggan Races On Facebook Handicap Hurdle. Indeed eventual winner Eric The Third (9/1) was never far away in the hands of Andrew Ring, on his way to a one length success.

The loose General Bunching - unseated Keith Donoghue at the fourth - led the field home, and Eric The Third (getting off the mark on attempt number nine) galloped on up the run-in with that one to guide him, beating King Of Oriel into second.

"Things went right for him today but I didn't know whether to go inside or outside the loose horse," said Ring of the Philip Rothwell-trained scorer.

"He did it well and hopefully can win another one. The ground is plenty quick enough for him."

(AM & EM)