Steps Match (15/2) collared the long-time leader Not So Simple (3/1 fav) after the last in the Follow @tipperaryraces.ie Handicap Hurdle (80-95), and Phillip Enright’s mount just held the renewed effort of the market leader by a short head.

After his first Graded success with stable star Sole Pretender earlier on the card, trainer Norman Lee was narrowly denied a double as Steps Match built on an encouraging handicap debut third at Kilbeggan last month to gain a first career win.

Winning trainer Michael Butler said: "I wasn't at Kilbeggan but it was a nice run. He was due his turn although you'd often be due a turn and it'd never come!

"He might go for the same type of race, we'll see what the handicapper'll do. He could jump a fence as well and he ran in point-to-points. He likes the top of the ground."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes