Barry Geraghty extended his lead at the head of the National Hunt jockeys championship when Brambledale showed great stamina to take the Nenagh Handicap Chase at Thurles yesterday.

Geraghty (20), who enjoyed a terrific run of success at Fairyhouse last weekend where his five victories included Grade One winners Alexander Banquet and Moscow Flyer, moved onto the 44 mark for the campaign. Brambledale, trained under permit near Gowran by Kevin O'Donnell, was prominent throughout, and kept on stoutly in the straight to beat Pharmacy Trio by two and a half lengths.

"He will probably come back here on Sunday, December 19th, for the Molony Cup Handicap Chase," said O'Donnell.

Geraghty was fortunate to escape injury later on in the Cashel Rated Hurdle. His mount Shoeless Joe slipped up on the level with a circuit to go, and brought down Ptarmigan Lodge and The Dipstick. Geraghty was trapped under the horse but was not hurt. Victory went to Coco Opera, who was recording her third win at this track in the past month.