The minimum margin separated the first two home in the opener and racegoers again weren't sure what way the verdict would swing after the conclusion of the second, the Kilberry Novice Hurdle, as Clan Tara and Head Of The Posse (got the last flight wrong) flashed by the line locked together.

Clan Tara, under a power-packed Davy Russell got the win, to prove the market wrong, as he had drifted from 7/4 out to 3/1 whilst Head Of The Posse hardened from 5/2 into 6/4.

Paul Nolan trains the successful six-year-old for Gigginstown House Stud. He was handled by his breeder, Don Cantillon, to win a point-to-point in England at Penhurst and was acquired at Brightwells Cheltenham Sales in April 2007 for 50,000 guineas.

James Nolan, brother of the successful trainer, said: "Nina (Carberry) won on him in Tralee and she said he would be the type to be suited by big staying tracks. He needs a minimum of two and a half miles and if he is okay after today he'll probably go for the graded novice hurdle at Limerick over Christmas. It was a great ride by Davy and Clan Tara be a better horse next year when he jumps a fence." (EM)