Fils d'Oudairies and Danny Gilligan pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
It was all about Fils d'Oudairies and Cash Back in betting for five-runner McHale Pro Glide Hurdle and they dominated out on the track too, with the Gordon Elliott-trained former just prevailing after a thrilling finish.
Sent off the 5/4 favourite, Cash Back attempted to make all, with the winner, who wasn't fluent at times, tracking him in second under 7lb conditional Danny Gilligan.
The pair were both ridden from the furlong pole, with Fils d'Oudairies (11/8) grinding down the market leader in the final strides, prevailing by just a neck in the colours of owner David L'Estrange .
The Willie Mullins trained runner-up was another seven-and-a-half lengths clear of stablemate Fighter Allen (7/1) in third.
"David only bought him a few weeks ago and this is his first run for him, so it's great," Elliott explained.
"Danny is a good rider and we're happy to give him plenty of chances."
Gilligan added: "He missed a couple of hurdles but he was good when I needed him at the last and found plenty off it.
"Anything that Gordon puts you up on has a chance so it makes my job a bit easier.
"The ground is the better side of yielding, I'd say. They've a bit of water on it and it's riding well."
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
