Dafarabad defied a 195 day break with a brave performance to fend off Go On Ya Boyo by a neck in the Corner House Bar Ballymote Handicap Hurdle.

The J P McManus-owned son of Cape Cross led going to the last under Niall 'Slippers' Madden but he looked likely to be swamped by the runner-up. However he pulled out enough to prevail with two lengths back to the third placed Major Key

Niall Madden senior, the winning trainer, said: "He was in good order coming here and he'll do a bit of both (flat and hurdling) for the summer.

"His best form had been on the flat but he was second to Our Monty over hurdles. He is getting a bit old (eight now) but he is an honest devil. I was amazed at the way he battled out there."