Ballyorban rallied gamely to shade the verdict in a bunch finish to the nursery at Leopardstown.

Johnny Murtagh sent the well backed 3/1 favourite (from 5/1) to the front early in the straight after tracking the leaders in the seven-furlong contest.

He looked booked for a place when Newberry Hill swooped inside the final furlong but knuckled down well in the closing stages.

The Ken Condon-trained son of Cape Cross got his head back in front close home to record a neck victory. Harley's Harley who had been prominent throughout also stayed on again and was just denied second by Newberry Hill.

The winner was gaining a deserved success having been a staying on second in the Birdcatcher Nursery on his last outing.

"He's hardy. He's hit a few seconds and today when Deccy (McDonogh) went past I thought it was over," said Murtagh.

"He never gave up and stuck his head down well. He probably deserved that."