An absolute wall of horses held chances in the second division of the ClonmelRaces.ie Handicap Hurdle, but it was 5/2 favourite Appian Way who forged home best for trainer Charles O'Brien.

No less than nine horses were boxing on straightening for home and five horses jumped two out virtually in unison. Early Arrival blundered and dropped to fourth at the last where Hard Target and Appian Way disputed with Kilgorey in third.

Hard Target led narrowly on the run-in, however, Appian Way ran on well in the closing stages to post a success by a length and a half. Kilgorey (10/1) got up for second from Hard Target (11/2).

Jockey Jack Foley said: "He ran a cracker the last day in Listowel and was due to go up 2lbs so technically was well in.

"He watches everything, the horse upside me started to come in and while he half backed out, was still brave and battled away. He wears the blinkers for a reason and it was good to get the job done today.

"He is a great spin, jumps super and probably knows more of it than me."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes