Third reserve New Direction made the most of his opportunity to land the final race held at the Curragh this season.

Jim Bolger 's charge was ridden by Rory Cleary in this mile and a half handicap contested by 26 runners.

Clearly bounced the 12/1 shot away smartly to dispute the lead with Carpet Elegance

He was given the office by Cleary to go past narrow leader Capet Elegance at the two pole.

In such a big field, he looked to be at the mercy of the closers but to his credit he kept going and was ridden out to win by three parts of a length from Universal Focus (25/1) and a head to Greanta (20/1). Flannery (16/1 from 25/1) was a neck further behind in fourth.

There was a nasty incident inside the final furlong when Temp Mac clipped heels and fell depositing Donagh O'Connor on the turf. O'Connor walked away from the incident.

Jim Bolger said: "He's in the sales. He'll jump a hurdle, stays well and handles soft ground."

New Direction had been placed in two of his eight races before today. He didn't go unbacked opening at 16/1.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson