The 1m2f handicap produced a thrilling finish with the Dermot Weld-trained Force Of Habit just prevailing after the judge had to split three in a photo finish.

The Mick Halford-trained Chaparro had kicked for home under two furlongs out was strongly pressed inside the final furlong by stable-mate Murtagh

Pat Smullen also emerged as a threat on the outside of the pair, on Force Of Habit, and his mount just had his head in front as the trio flashed past the post.

"He was a bit slowly away and got into a pocket. Pat did well to get him out. Once he got out I thought he was always going to win and he would have been unlucky if he got beat," said Dermot Weld's travelling head lad Paddy O'Brien.

"He'll probably come back here for something. He ran well over hurdles at Limerick last time, when he was third, and could mix it."