Punters were treated to a great finish as First Row snatched victory on the line in the Ladbrokes Midlands National at Kilbeggan on Friday night.
Dessie Hughes' charge looked under pressure when ridden four out by Roger Loughran in the 50,000 event but showed terrific heart to stick to his guns and throw down a late surge.
Mullica Lad appeared set to collect when travelling sweetly into the lead before the last but was strongly pressed on the run-in and the bob of heads just went against him.
'It's lovely to be on the right side of it. He's only a small horse and I thought he was beaten. He did well to get back up,' said Hughes
'He's in the Galway Plate but only has 8st 13lb. If he goes to Galway he'll run in the Blazers. He has been good to us.'
Earlier Paul Carberry had shown that he is back on top form when booting home a double aboard Windy Harbour and Moscow Mo Chuisle.
Windy Harbour was gaining an overdue success when pouncing close home to claim the 2m6f maiden hurdle by a neck from Lace Your Boots
'I wasn't sure he would get the 2m6f - he's had me a bit bamboozled,' said trainer Noel Meade. 'I have to say the jockey did a very good job and it's nice to see him back riding winners.
'He's rated 102 and I don't think he will get raised for that. He might go for a handicap. We could even try him over fences.'
The brace was completed in similar style with Moscow Mo Chuisle putting her head in front close home in the three-mile handicap hurdle after a terrific tussle with Accordion Girl on the run-in.
'Her run at Cork last week was her first since January and I think she might have blew up,' said trainer Micahel Hourigan
'It was a bit of a risk running her on soft ground but she had the genius on her back. She'll probably go to Galway.'
There was also a short priced double for Ruby Walsh as both Paramount (1/2f) and Green Mile (4/5f) obliged.
Tony Martin's charge Green Mile, who was achieving his second win of the week after a stroll at Killarney on Tuesday, again cantered to success as he led before the last for a two-length verdict over Hard To Handle.
'You couldn't ask more of him. He was very good in Killarney and was unlucky in the north the previous time,' said Martin.
'Three races in a week - he nearly deserves a week off! He could maybe go to Galway at the end of the week for something, the boys would be keen to go.'
Walsh had earlier teamed up with father Ted as Paramount (1/2f) held Mahrajaan at bay by three-parts-of-a length in the opening maiden hurdle.
War Of The World looked a fortunate winner of the beginners chase when left in the lead at the last after the crashing fall of Piano Star.
