Shane Shortall made a decisive strike for home on the top bend as Ancient Highway landed the handicap hurdle on the card at Clonmel.

Pat Fahy 's charge cut out the early running in the 2m2f event and after tucking in behind the leaders mid-race took it up again five from home.

Shortall nicked a few lengths across the top on the 8/1 shot (12/1 this morning) as his rivals started to work in behind.

The Indian Danehill gelding kept on well in the closing stages to record a length-and-three-quarter success. Sounds Of Thunder won the battle for second ahead of Presentingoscar

The winner was making his first outing since scoring at Tramore last August. Fahy wasn't on hand to welcome back his charge.