Fakir D'alene proved very tough in front to repel the challenge of Donkey Years in the BetVictor Handicap Chase at Thurles this afternoon.

Rob James made all the running on the 2/1 favourite who came under pressure as Donkey Years travelled well to challenge before the final fence.

The Gordon Elliott-trained trained gelding pulled out plenty for pressure, as he held his rival at bay on the run-in to secure a neck victory.

Fakir D'alene was following up on an easy win in a beginners chase at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day and was making it two from three over fences.

The winning rider said afterwards:- "He has a good way of going and won well at Down Royal doing the same thing. It made sense to do the same and he was tough there and stayed going to the line. He jumped very well.

"I won a point to point on him as a four year old for Donnachadh Doyle and he was a big horse who took a bit of time."

It was a double on the day for Elliott following the earlier success of Gerri Colombe

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)