High Hill Beauty was towards the head of the market for Tickinor Handicap but her John Murphy-trained stable companion Authorative (12s into 7s) didn't go unbacked either and he just held on under Seamie Heffernan (got a 5-day whip ban for excessive frequency and not giving his mount time to respond) at Clonmel.

The Refuse To Bend gelding made all, and try as he might, runner-up Street Party couldn't quite get there – going down by a short head.

Two Gowran competitors from last night, Melanippe and Art Scene turned out again quickly and the pair went okay, finishing third and fifth respectively.

Murphy explained: "He's a huge horse and he's only just coming into himself but he's shaping up well.

"Seamie rode him before and wanted to ride him prominently as he's tough and he stays.

"He's schooled over hurdles and he's a big chasing type really.

"She (High Hill Beauty – finished last) never travelled and was very disappointing. She'd been working great but that's just how it goes." (TW & EM)