Loughglynn, right, wins a battle with Firefox © Photo Healy Racing
The concluding bumper in Naas boiled down to a match in the straight between the market principals and it was Loughglynn who found most in the closing stagers to prevail.
The 10/11 favourite Firefox and 13/8 Loughglynn pressed ahead over three furlongs out and were locked together the whole way home.
Loughglynn availed of the rail and got his head in front in the final 100 yards. From there, he wasn't going to be beaten as he kept on best to win by three parts of a length. The third home, Givehimthehonour (11/2), was in a different parish 26 lengths away.
Jockey Patrick Mullins said: “He was good and he’s improved. He’s a laidback type of horse and he kept responding. I think he’ll go out in trip as he doesn’t do anything quick.
“He stays very well and is a great ride — he only gives what you ask for which is always a help.
“We took a chance running him in a hundred grand race last year. I think he’s improved a lot and I think he’ll improve again.”
This gave Willie Mullins a double on the card after the success of Impaire Et Passe in the extended two and a quarter mile maiden hurdle.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
