Rebel Early and Darragh O'Keeffe © Photo Healy Racing
Rebel Early bounced back to form when galloping on strongly to claim the spoils in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Cork.
The Liam Burke-trained mare had made little impression on her two most recent outings over timber but the 11/1 shot left that form well behind to run out a convincing winner.
Darragh O'Keeffe produced his mount to lead going to the second last and she stayed on stoutly to record a five length win over long-time leader Carrigeen Lotus
It was a fourth victory over hurdles for the daughter of Mountain High and Burke paid tribute to her late owner Jerry Nolan, who passed away in December, after the race:-
"It is a shame Jerry isn't around but that's it, unfortunately, and his brother James will carry on at the moment.
"Jerry was with me since 1986 and was my backbone all the time. We had Thyne Again and he gave us some great days and he brought us to Cheltenham."
He added:- "She ran a stinker the last day but Darragh seems to get a great tune out of her and has won on her twice now. He knows her well and the cheek-pieces made a big difference as she carried him and jumped for him today.
"She will probably go to Gowran next."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
