Johnny Murtagh rode Matthieu Palussiere's Leah Claire to a head success in Leopardstown's one mile four furlong handicap finale.

The race had attracted a field of 22 runners and Murtagh's ride on board the 9/1 chance was praised by trainer Palussiere. He said: "She was given a great ride by a great jockey. I knew she would run well as the ground was what she liked.

"She's a very versatile filly as regards the trip. She will probably come back here for a handicap on Sunday."

Jockey Murtagh said: "She travelled well and when the gap opened she quickened through it well." Champion Boy came second while Hawk Flight and 6/1 co-favourite Denny Crane finished third and fourth respectively. The other co-favourite, Rainforest Magic was back in sixth place.