Runner-up on his previous two starts, Not So Simple (10/3) gained a hard-fought first win in the Ross Road Handicap Hurdle.

In the front rank throughout, the Kalanisi gelding was strongly pressed by Rule Of June (7/1) between the final two flights. The two protagonists came close, and JJ Slevin’s whip went flying, but his mount responded well on the run-in to prevail by a head.

It was a further 15 lengths back to Whoyakodding (20/1) in third while recent Gowran winner Capture the Action, sent off the 2/1 favourite, faded in the straight to finish seventh.

It was an 18/1 double for Slevin, putting him on the 11 winner mark for the campaign.

Winning trainer Norman Lee, based near Gort, Co. Galway, said: "It was a very welcome winner as our horses got sick a year and a half ago and we haven't had a winner in that time.

"We hadn't a horse in the stable a year ago because we had to clear them out and it is great to get that winner.

"It is a credit to the lads at home who work every day and JJ (Slevin) gave him a great ride. It's great for John and Rose Devitt (winning owners) who are great supporters of the yard; it's onwards and upwards."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes