Hard Station digs in to thwart Hurricane

The Dr Joe O’Keeffe-owned/trained Hard Station lit up yesterday’s Killeady Harriers point-to-point meeting at Ballyarthur by making all the running with John Barry in the winners of one.

The hooded Hard Station (6/1), a wide-margin maiden winner at Kilworth last season, jumped with aplomb at the head of affairs but it appeared he had a battle on his plate when the patiently-ridden Hurricane Ben went second after the penultimate of the 15 obstacles.

However, Hard Station found for pressure to edge out Hurricane Ben by a half-length in what was the closest finish of the afternoon.