West wins great tussle with Dog

The Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown produced a terrific finish with Castlebawn West just edging the verdict from The Big Dog after a great tussle.

The Big Dog was driven into the lead before the final flight in the two-and-a-half mile contest but was soon joined by Castlebawn West.

A better jump by Peter Fahey's charge gave him a slight advantage at the final flight but Ruby Walsh drove his mount into a narrow lead on the run-in.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding stuck on gamely to hold the renewed challenge of his rival by a head at the line.

The winner had proved easy to back and returned 7/2 having been 2/1 this morning. Dream Conti the 5/2 favourite, was 11-lengths back in third.

Mullins said:- “He had the benefit of a previous run and that stood to him. He did it well.

“He'll continue on the staying novice hurdle route. I'd imagine.”