Spring ahead of The Que in The Pierse

What looked to be a hugely competitive renewal of the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday was won in remarkably straightforward style by the Robert Tyner trained Spring The Que. Philip Enright was always prominent on the eventual winner and having hit the front early in the straight, he only had to push out his mount to hold the challenge of Mister Height by 2½l at the line.

The Pierse Handicap Chase was a similarly competitive looking affair and it produced a thrilling finish with Point Barrow staying on strongly on the run-in to beat A New Story by ¾l under Timmy Murphy. It was a highly credible performance from the winner off top weight and he will now be aimed at the Aintree Grand National.

Elsewhere on the card, Hear The Echo prevailed for Mouse Morris and Davy Russell in a dramatic renewal of the Grade 2 Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase. Justpourit looked set to win easily when left in a clear lead at the last fence, only for that rival to almost pull himself up to a walk in the final 100 yards, allowing Russell to snatch the verdict.