One Last Tango, right, lands the spoils from One Cool Poet, centre, and Hey Johnny © Photo Healy Racing
One Last Tango surged home on the run-in to land a dramatic renewal of the extended two mile handicap hurdle in Punchestown.
Long-time leader Clever Currency fell two out and his closest pursuer unseated Paddy O'Hanlon leaving Hey Johnny at the head of affairs. One Cool Poet scythed through to almost get on terms, though, and Flashthelights was boxing away on the outer.
Hey Johnny was pressed by One Cool Poet at the last with One Last Tango ridden to close by Mark Walsh.
The leader came under a strong drive from Danny Mullins but One Cool Poet and One Last Tango took aim at him in the final 50 yards, and it was the latter who finished best to win by a length at 5/1.
One Cool Poet finished second at 7/1 and was half a length clear of Hey Johnny (9/1).
“I'm delighted to get it as it's just taken a while for the penny to drop with him,” said trainer Eoin Griffin.
“To be honest, it's a bit of a relief that he's stuck his head in front. Hopefully, he can go on from this, he'll get a bit further.
“He wouldn't want it too heavy so if the ground stays okay we might get something else and then head to Leopardstown at Christmas.
“We've been getting nice ground there for the past few years so if we get that type of ground there might be something there for him. We'll try and find something in between.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
