Only five went to post in the seven-furlong conditions race at Tipperary this evening but it produced a thrilling finish with Harpocrates emerging as the narrow winner.

It was a double on the card for connections as Shane Foley did the steering on the Jessica Harrington-trained colt in the colours of Zhang Yuesheng.

There was a scare as the Invincible Spirit colt stumbled leaving the stalls but he soon took up a position tracking 1/2 shot Maker Of Kings

Foley asked his mount, an easy to back 11/4 shot, for an effort over a furlong out and he came to join the front-runner close home.

Harpocrates got the verdict by a short-head as they flashed past the post. Insinuendo also finished off well to press the front two close home and was only a neck back in third.

"I nearly fell off him coming out of the stalls and was lucky to stay on board,” said Foley.

"He's not a bad horse and I ended up getting there too soon. Colin's lad (Keane, on Maker Of Kings) wasn't helping him until I went but he stuck it out well and likes those small runner fields.

"He has a rating of 104, I think he likes that good ground and it would be great if he could win a Listed race."

Foley and Harrington had also struck with Indigo Balance in the sprint handicap earlier on the card.

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)