Supporters of odds-on favourite, Realt Dubh were on good terms with themselves when he led from three out and was sent on by Paul Carberry from before the straight, but he seemed to idle out in front and his advantage was reduced at the last in the Five Day Festival Hurdle.
However Ruby Walsh's mount, Otay Kawn who had cut down the deficit, stumbled on landing, deciding the issue, Realt Dubh (means black star in the Irish language) going on to prevail by four lengths.
Winning trainer, Noel Meade said: "I think a lot of him and maybe his best run was when he was second to Mikael D'Haguenet at Navan. He may be better over a bit further and he should improve when he jumps fences. Paul felt he idled in front but when the other horse came to him he went on again. He won't be going to Cheltenham."
Vinnie Keane trained Realt Dubh to win a point-to-point at Dromoland in March 2008. The Waterford handler unleashed a full-brother to Realt Dubh at Tallow on February 8th this year. Realt Mor won at the first time of asking under Mikey O'Connor and he looks a potential top-notcher of the future. (EM)
