We saw a peck at the last decide the issue in a race at Wexford on Tuesday (when Grey Monk beat Dave's Stamper). A similar scenario played out in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle at Thurles as Gallant Tipp (overcame a mistake three out) accounted for Perfect Gentleman

The latter, with Patrick Mullins up, headed the betting and he had every chance when pecking on landing at the final flight, handing the initiative to the Mark Walsh ridden Gallant Tipp.

The way Perfect Gentleman rallied after that mishap suggests things could have been mighty close otherwise and eventually just three parts of a length separated them.

Edward O'Grady is the trainer of J P McManus' Gallant Tipp and he said: "He was a bit more confident today (in his jumping) than he was at Clonmel and the ground was still nice for him.

"He stays and travels very well and hopefully it's onwards and upwards from here.

"He's a tall raw horse and he'll be a nice horse in the spring when he should improve more.

"We won't have any option now but to step him up in grade. I'd be more inclined to wait until the spring with him next." (TW & EM)