Yulong Pearlisland came out best after a fantastic battle with Dazzling Darren in the concluding Athlone Handicap at Roscommon.

Dazzling Darren had attempted to make all but was over this extended mile and three furlongs, but was joined in the final quarter of a mile by Yulong Pearlisland.

The pair were locked together coming to the final furlong and had the race to themselves.

It was nip and tuck all the way but it was Yulong Pearlisland who just prevailed by a head at 100/30.

Dazzling Darren (7/4f) lost little in defeat as he fought all the way to the line, but had to settle for another runner-up prize.

This brought up a brace of winners for Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley who bookended the card, having won the opener with No Speak Alexander

Assistant trainer Kate Harrington said: “Shane came in and said Jessie was right, I was wrong. Mum has always liked this horse and the penny is only dropping with him.

“He could turn into a nice stayer. He’s a big baby and is only starting to grow into his frame. Hopefully there might be a few more races to be won with him.

“He could step up in trip and will gallop all day. I think he’ll go on any ground.”

You'd have to feel for Dazzling Darren as this is the third photo in a row at Roscommon that he has come out on the wrong side of.

He lost by a head over a mile and two on the 15th June and then by a neck over the same trip a week later.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee