The draw can often be a hot topic in sprints at Naas and the 19-runner Rushe’s Supervalu Apprentice Handicap produced an unusual spectacle with Livingston Range getting the better of American In Paris with the pair divided by the width of the track.

Livingston Range kept to the stand side from his draw in stall 16, while American In Paris was also prominent throughout on the far side rail from the number one stall.

Paddy Harnett kept the 11/1 chance up to his work on the near side to prevail by three quarters of a length, with Stanhope (drawn 23) a further two and a quarter lengths back in third and Eriskay completed the places in fourth.

Owner/trainer Leanne Breen said afterwards, “He got to boss it out in front. Paddy thought he might have went a bit soon but he likes to be up there.

“It’s nice quick ground. He gets on like he’d nearly like a cut but he’d nearly go on anything.

“I walked the track before and thought we should keep stand side, use our draw and get to the rail.

“He’ll run at Naas, Navan and the Curragh, all those nice tracks, and then back to Dundalk."

Livingston Range also scored on the polytrack for the Warrenpoint trainer last December.