The handicapper can be pleased with his work as the Vaughanshoes.ie Ecco Handicap saw eight horses involved in a blanket finish that Highland Fling narrowly came out on top of. Jazz Ranger boxed on at the head of affairs in this mile and five race but the others were jostling for position in behind in the final quarter of a mile.

Frank Dunne 's Highland Fling (8/1), in first-time blinkers, got a split between Jazz Ranger and Greanta as the race unfolded off the home bend.

Niall McCullagh drove him on and he grabbed the lead with 150 yards to race. He kept on well to prevail by half a length and a nose from Byron Beauty (16/1) and Jazz Ranger (8/1) in second and third respectively.

Niall McCullagh said: "He loves that ground, travelled well and the blinkers made a big difference to him.

"It's great he has finally fulfilled his potential and shown us what he has been showing at home.

"He might win another and it's great to get a winner for Frank."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes