Adrian Maguire celebrated a big-race success as Golden Kite came out on top in a thrilling Gigginstown House Midlands National Handicap Chase at Kilbeggan.

The eight-year-old - demoted to second on his last run at Listowel - was sent off the 11-2 joint favourite for the two-mile-six-furlong test and was doing battle with Decoy Daddy and Classic Frontier at the final fence, where the latter crashed out.

That left Brian O'Connell's mount in front and he seized his chance to hold off the game Decoy Daddy by a length and a half.

Mr Bishop had blazed an early trail under Andrew Lynch and was still in front when he departed at the third-last.

Maguire, who had to survive a stewards' inquiry before the result was confirmed, said: "Brian gave him a great ride. The horse is a gentleman and the owner is a gentleman also.

"He's a dying breed among owners. He let's you concentrate on doing the job and doing best by the horse.

"This horse has been a great servant from day one. He's an easy horse to train. It's a great success.

"Things have been quiet during the summer and it's nice to get a big one. He has an entry in the Galway Plate, but today was the day and we'll see how he comes out of this."

There was plenty to celebrate on a local level as the Pat Martin-trained Irish Poli (13-2) claimed the Ballymore Handicap Hurdle carrying the colours of Kilbeggan chairman Paul Daly.

Martin said: "That's great for us.

"Paul loves to have a horse run well here, but hates to have a horse run badly, so we're always selective about what we run.

"He's a local councillor and has been a lucky owner for me as he also owns Lucky At Last.

"This horse is very consistent and was just chinned at Bellewstown last time. He has an entry for next Tuesday but we'll have to see about that."< Jowango defied a lengthy absence to take the opening Athlone Maiden Hurdle for Jessica Harrington.

Last seen when pulled up at Punchestown in November, the 4-1 chance showed he was not lacking for fitness as he gamely held off 11-8 favourite Gentle N