Lucky At Last a three in a row winner last year, got back to winning ways on his third outing since coming off a break, defying top-weight with a brave performance to take the Hamilton & Kirk Handicap Hurdle by half a length under Andrew Thornton.

The son of City Honours was in front before two out and he stayed on doggedly to see off the strong challenge of Innbrodericksbar

Pat Martin, the winning trainer, said: "He is a very tough and consistent horse. He'll go to Bellewstown next for a three mile handicap hurdle - he is unbeaten there and hopefully it'll stay that way."

Meanwhile Thornton commented: "It's my first winner of the season and he is as honest as the day is long."