Brian Hamilton and Joseph O'Brien combined for success at Dundalk last week with Tight Times and the pair again took the finale at the Dowdallshill venue tonight when Wither Hills emerged victorious in the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

All the O'Brien’s, Joseph (on the winner), Ana (Blackstone, eventually fourth) and Donnacha (Waver, ultimately fifth) were there with their chances at the business end.

At the line, having led a furlong and a half out, Wither Hills held off the challenge of the unlucky in running Hes Our Music by half a length.

"This horse has a problem with kissing spines," revealed Hamilton.

"It seems to hurt him over hurdles. He was travelling well over hurdles the last day but a horse bumped him and he folded quickly.

"The handicapper had dropped him four or five pounds so he'll probably put him back up now.

"Joseph has now ridden for me four times and he's won on three of them." (AM & EM)