Just Friends proved a welcome winner for Denis Cullen when making all for a hard fought victory in the Darcy Sands Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.

Robbie Colgan bounced his mount out in front and he responded gamely when tackled by Tijuana Dancer going to the last.

The Beneficial gelding dug deep in the closing stages to record a half-length victory.

"I'm thrilled to bits. Some of mine have been running below par and I was getting a bit worried," said Cullen.

"We've always thought an awful lot of him. He broke down at Fairyhouse a year-and-a-half ago and we gave him time.

"It was quick enough for him at Tipperary last time and the soft to heavy suits him. He done it well.

"We'll look for another handicap hurdle and then he might go jump a fence."