Phil digs deep for Hacketts

Phil The Flyer stayed on best to edge the verdict after a thrilling finish to the two-mile handicap hurdle at Tramore. Dr Zoom jumped into the lead three out but was soon pressed by Just Call Me and Don Franco The trio jumped the penultimate flight locked together.

Don Franco looked to be getting the better of the argument going to the last but was then tackled by Phil The Flyer over the final flight.

Despite an untidy leap Shane Shortall's mount gained a narrow advantage and maintained that to the line as Don Franco battled gamely, going down by half a length.

The Ray Hackett-trained winner was pulled up on his return to action at Cork last month and was sent to post a 14/1 shot today.

Hackett is based in Toomevara and trains the winner for his father Liam.

He said afterwards:- "He could make no fist of it at Cork, it was real deep there and he just wasn't able. We just dropped him out today and tried to switch him off. I thought he would run really well, the main thing was that he switched off early and he done that today and Shane gave him a peach of a ride.

"He has had leg trouble so I would be iffy enough about running him on quicker than that, but he needs that ground at the same time.

"He was second in a bumper around here so we knew he'd handle the track. He can blow his race in stable yard as he gets wound up but today he was so chilled and he gave himself a chance.

"I might look for something in weeks time for him if he is okay.

"I only have three for the track, him, Tidy Zag and Bold Optimist."

Andrew Lynch, on the runner-up, was denied a quick treble having landed the opening two races.

(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)