Touchedbyanangel (Adam Short up) got there in time to touch off front-running local hope Billy's Angel in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

In the end just a head separated them, and three parts of a length back in third was market-leader One Cool Poet

Winning trainer Andy Oliver said: "I'm delighted with that as we felt that we let one away in Tramore. Adam knew the horse and I thought he gave him a great ride.

"The horse is very tough and genuine, and he probably wants a bit further now as you can see. He was bought (by Ronnie Graffin) for a bit of summer fun and has been an absolute revelation.

"He's a pleasure to train, you can turn him out quickly, and he has a great attitude.

"The pace was quick enough for him to start off and Adam judged it terribly well. He had to settle him back and made his move at the right time."

R. Loughran, rider of Frazel Express trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tight for room after the second hurdle, lost her action and hung thereafter.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Derby De Thaix (FR), trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)