There was drama aplenty late on in the Woodlands Hotel Adare Handicap Hurdle and at the end of the two miler it was Persistent that brought up a double for J P McManus at Tipperary. Jezki took the Grade 3 Istabraq Hurdle earlier for McManus. That fellow is handled by Jessica Harrington and it's Joseph O'Brien that has care of Persistent. Lion In His Heart was still in front when running out after the second last flight.

Meanwhile the gambled-on joint favourite Oscars Den was staying on from off the pace when 'missing' the last.

As it was then, the Shane Shortall-ridden Persistent proved strongest up the run-in for a length and a half verdict over Timi Roli Carrigmoorna Matt finished third, whilst the aforementioned Oscars Den ended up in fourth place.

"He has been knocking on the door a few times now and that's his sort of class," said McManus racing manager Frank Berry. 

"We'll tip away with him for the winter and Shane (Shortall) said he coped with the ground - it's loose ground. Shane gave him a grand ride."

B. Browne, rider of Lion In His Heart, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount cocked his jaw and ran out after jumping the second last hurdle.

(TW & EM)