Time pipped by He'llberemembered

The Paul Fahey-trained He'llberemembered got up on the line to grab the spoils in a thrilling finish to the Premier County Hurdle at Thurles this afternoon. Drive Time was sent off the 4/7 favourite for the 2m6f event and took them along under Ruby Walsh.

The hotpot appeared to have his field on the stretch turning for home as Shane Butler asked He'llberemembered for an effort before the second last.

Walsh had to get to work on Drive Time approaching the last, however, as that rival became a persistent threat.

Both were untidy as they jumped the last together but Drive Time came away with a slight advantage and looked set to prevail close home only to be headed at the death.

The 7/2 winner had been fancied for the Kerry National at Listowel last month but had failed to make an impression.

“At Listowel he got caught on the rail and didn't see a fence,” explained Fahey.

“He's a game old devil. If you go through the ratings we were meeting Drive Time on 9lb better terms (than when third to him at Punchestown in April 2012).

“There should be a handicap chase in him somewhere. 2m5f would be his trip over fences.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)