Approach First in Tipperary Finale

The market principals dominated the Season Finale INH Flat Race at Tipperary, with First Approach leading home Doctor Duffy

Successful on debut for Donnchadh Doyle in a point-to-point at Dromahane, the son of Robin Des Champs filled the runner-up spot on his first racecourse start at Galway.

The Noel Meade trained gelding was then third at Down Royal, before disappointing at Punchestown on his most recent start in April.

Sent off the 11/8 favourite today, the Patricia Hunt owned five-year-old raced in mid-division under Mark O'Hare.

He took closer order from the five furlong pole, and had a good battle with Doctor Duffy from early in the straight, with just a neck separating them at the line.

With both runners on opposite rails, it was difficult to tell who was in front in the closing stages, with the runner-up returned at 7/4 chance under Richie Deegan for Charles Byrnes.

The front pair went nine and a half lengths clear of Miss Chevious Girl (11/2) in third.

Meade said afterwards: "He had a stress crack after his second run and that held him up. He was stood in for two months.

"He then ran a disappointing race at Punchestown but he just wasn't as fit and you'd need to be. He'll go hurdling now."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes