Groody Hill the Troytown Chase hero from 2011, returned to the number one spot for the first time since when landing a last gasp success the Book Your Christmas Party At Fairyhouse December 20th Handicap Hurdle.

The 16/1 chance benefited from a patient steer from Jody McGarvey but in truth Bearly Legal looked a likely victor having taken over approaching two out.

Indeed even after they'd passed the post a majority thought that one had prevailed, for Karl Thornton and John Barry, but the photo showed the grey head of Groody Hill 'up' by a short head.

Winning owner J P McManus' racing manager Frank Berry said of the Christy Roche handled top-weight, returning off a 285 day break: "He's had his problems and it's nice to see him back. Jody gave him a grand ride and he battled away. We'll probably find another hurdle race for him and go back over fences then." (AM & EM)