Rick mows down Mountain

There was a dramatic conclusion to the Dr.Maire O'Connor Memorial Hurdle as Rick short-headed the odds-on favourite Blackstairmountain at Punchestown.

When Blackstairmountain attempted to win his race off the ordinary pace set by Big Game Hunter he looked sure to score but trying two and a half miles for the first time he was mown down in the shadow of the post by the Paddy Flood partnered Rick.

Winning trainer Dessie Hughes said of the Seamus Dunne owned seven-year-old: "That was a good performance as Paddy said he was hating the ground and didn't jump on it but he has a bit of class.

"It is hard to find races for him and another horse of mine Stonemaster is in the same boat as a second season hurdler."