Applejack Poet benefited from a well judged ride from Tom Harney to run out a very narrow winner of the first division of the John Purfield Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown.

A 10-race maiden coming into the race, the Liz Doyle trained gelding had been gradually getting closer in recent runs. Indeed, his best effort had come on his most recent start at Kilbeggan when fourth under Harney.

With last years winner Mater Matuta blazing a trail out in front, for much of this race it looked as though those in pursuit were racing for places at best. However, on the run to the third last, the latter came under pressure as both Say It First and Applejack Poet closed.

As Mater Matuta held a narrow lead jumping the second last, Harney travelled noticeably easy on Applejack Poet. However, no sooner had he reached the lead then he was pressed by Say It First and latterly Be My Hero It was the latter who threw down the final challenge, losing out by just a head.

Liz Doyle said: "Just about got the trip, he's not a strong stayer.

"Sharp track, flat track and good ground today has really helped him because he doesn't hit the line strongly in any of his races and we just held on today.

"Nice new syndicate in him and I'm delighted for them. It is hard to win these 80-95s unless you have a lot in hand, so to just hang on is great."

On Tom Harney, who was riding his first winner since turning conditional, she added: "I just gave him a few rides and he has done nothing wrong for me. He tends to stay on them then especially in these low-grade races.

"He's a very good rider."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.