Knockieran swooped late to land the Ballyclough Handicap Hurdle under Lenny Flynn after an exciting and controversial finish which led to a stewards enquiry and a one day suspension for Davy Russell on fifth-placed Instinctive

The filly improved to the heels of the leaders two out and looked set to launch a challenge before veering left after the flight .

There wasn't a lot of room on the outside before the last and she was jostling for room with Instinctive going to the final flight. Dolly Hall chasing the leaders, was hampered as the pair shifted right.

Flynn conjured a strong finish from his mount on the run-in to get up in the closing stages for a length victory over Barneys Honour with Dolly Hall an unlucky third.

"She'll have a little break now as she's after having a few runs recently," said winning trainer Jimmy Finn.

"We'll bring her back in the New Year. She'll stay handicappping. She's only a small little mare and it wouldn't be fair to take on a fence with her."

Davy Russell picked up a one day suspension for careless riding aboard fifth placed Instinctive after an incident approaching the final hurdle where the winner and Dolly Hall were both hampered.