Pires flies home to score in the Water Towers

Dunguib's owners, Dan Harnett and Lily Lawlor were on hand to accept the prize after the latter's Pires (7/2 into 2/1 favourite) landed a thrilling renewal of the Water Towers Steeplechase under Paul Townend at Ballinrobe.

A 300,000 sterling guineas purchase in his time, Pires was gaining the eighth success of his life here but it looked unlikely to be his evening over the last two.

The admirable Tribes And Banner looked to have the two mile one furlong event within his grasp away from the last but agonisingly for his backers and connections he was caught on the line and beaten a head by Pires.

There was just half a length, two and a half lengths and nose separating the other principals, namely Fantastic Gold (3rd at 40/1), Laganbank (4th) and Usa (ran a great race on his chase debut to finish 5th at 33/1).

Winning trainer Tony Martin reflected: "He's owned by a good woman in Lily Lawlor. He's always had the ability but things have never happened for him.

"He nearly cut the hind leg off himself at Aintree (back in April).

"The ground was too heavy for him at Galway. He might go to Listowel now." (DM & EM)