John Cannon gave former champion apprentice Connor King his second jumps winner in Ireland when just prevailing in a driving finish to the Racing TV Handicap Hurdle at Tipperary.

King, who had ridden 10 winners in Britain previously, partnered his first in this country when winning on the same horse(John Cannon) at Listowel last month.

On this occasion, the Cork man had to be patient, as he travelled notably well into the straight behind a wall of horses.

Eventual runner-up Tullypole Annie looked to have stolen the race when kicking clear before the last but King galvanised his mount to get his head in front on the line.

“I'm delighted with that. Conor said he took the last brilliantly and he keeps finding a bit,” said Murphy.

“He just won by a short-head so that'll help his handicap mark.

“I suppose he's been disappointing all along but he's coming good now.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson