Fire Belt proved strongest in the finish after the thrilling conclusion to the six-year-old plus maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Brian Nolan’s charge came to join Turica and Captainofthefleet after the second last and the trio jumped the final flight locked together.

Fire Belt edged ahead of the run-in, under Ben Dalton, and kept on well in the closing stages to score by a length from Captainofthefleet.

The 10/1 winner was bouncing back to form having been well beaten in testing conditions at Listowel last time.

“Thanks really have to go to my vet Gerry O’Sullivan. He’s had so many problems and only for Gerry he wouldn’t be here,” revealed Nolan.

“He doesn’t want it that soft and hopefully there’s a handicap in him.” Kick On Boss was sent off the 6/5 favourite but was under pressure when making a mistake at the second last. He weakened and was lucky to stand up at the final flight when blundering.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)