King proves game in thrilling finish

Steel King stuck his neck out gamely in the closing stages to land the spoils after a thrilling finish to the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Tipperary.

Front-runner Samanntom proved a tough nut to crack but was tackled over the last by Steel King and Give Her Bach

It was Paul Flynn's charge, under a strong drive from Kevin Sexton, who found more in the closing stages to score by a length from Give Her Bach. Voisey's Bay stayed on to nab third from Samanntom.

The winner was making his first start since falling at Ballinrobe last September. He had won his maiden hurdle at that track last July.

"He can be a bit tricky and gets worried. He was weak last year and I thought coming here today he was well handicapped," said Flynn.

"He'll stay three miles and if there's a race for him to sneak into at Galway he'll run there. He will improve and will also jump a fence in time."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)