Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins doubled up at Gowran Park when Allee Garde just edged a titanic duel in the conditions hurdle. On The Way Out and Allee Garde were produced to battle it out going to the final flight in the three-mile event.

On The Way Out had a narrow advantage for much of the run-in but Walsh worked his magic and got his mount's head in front where it matter to record the slim victory.

The stewards had a look after the pair came close in the closing stages but the result remained the same.

"He'll probably go for the Grade 2 novice over three-miles on the second day at Punchestown," said Mullins.

"He had a hard enough race there. He's a real chaser in the making and is closely related to Clan Royal."

Walsh and Mullins had also struck earlier in the mares maiden hurdle when Shifa got her head in front after a series of placed efforts.