It's unusual to see a race like the [email protected] Handicap dominated from a betting point of view, by just two runners. As things transpired a 20/1 chance in Head Waiter nearly tore up the script but 7/4 second favourite, Star Power just edged him in the two miler.

Market-leader Mad For Road looked anything but an easy ride for Fran Berry before consenting to run on late for third.

In front of him there was just a neck separating Star Power and the veteran Head Waiter, after the pair had engaged in a tough battle.

Ger Flynn, representing Jim Bolger, winning trainer, commented on the Kevin Manning-ridden winner: "That's his second win up here and we'll try to come back for something similar.

"He deserved it – he showed plenty of guts and battled it out well." (AM & EM)