Hillman clung on desperately in a tight finish to the two-and-a-half mile handicap chase at Navan.

The heavy ground seen the contenders tire in the closing stages and Hillman stuck his head out gamely to land the spoils.

Paddy Mangan had produced the 7/1 shot to tackle front-runner Hidden Present two out and he got to the front at the last.

Good Egg and Easy Vic also stayed on into contention at the final fence and it was the later who pushed Hillman hard in the closing stages.

A photo was needed with John Joe Walsh's charge just getting the verdict by a nose from the 13/8 favourite.

“He got through the ground which is very severe. Paddy gave him a great ride and probably stole it a bit,” said Walsh afterwards.

Mangan came in for the ride after Mark Enright was stood down for the day after a fall from Gallant Oscar in the previous race. Mangan put up 2lb overweight on the winner.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)