The eight-runner Thurles Handicap Hurdle had a wide open look beforehand, and it was one of the trio of 4/1 co-favourites, Really Unique that came out on top in an exciting finish.

Brian O'Connell produced the veteran son of Witness Box to challenge Romantic Fashion and Shuilamach between the final two flights.

John Joe Walsh's charge just touched down in front over the last, and kept on under pressure to beat the always prominent Romantic Fashion by half a length.

Shuilamach appeared to be travelling strongly early in the straight but faded in the closing stages to finish a further four and a quarter lengths away in third.

Walsh said, "He was unlucky at Limerick the last day when he made a mistake at the second last when I thought he might have got there.

"Brian gave him a good ride today and we'll keep tipping away with him over hurdles as he doesn't jump a fence. We'll look for another small handicap hurdle."

(TW & AM)