Just the four runners went to post for the featured Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan Hurdle over three miles at Clonmel and it was Franciscan Rock who proved strongest.

It was a tight betting contest as Sandor Clegane went off 7/4 favourite with Plains Indian the 5/1 outsider.

The latter was first to crack approaching the straight as Franciscan Rock led narrowly from Sandor Clegane with Three Card Brag between the pair.

Three Card Brag couldn't live with the front two as they raced towards two out. The leader didn't lift his legs much in jumping it but, crucially, didn't lose any momentum.

Sandor Clegane came under Sean O'Keeffe's whip before the last as Franciscan Rock and Gavin Brouder began to stretch them.

He was a good three lengths clear at the last and a lovely jumped saw him rewarded with the first prize as he galloped home on the run-in to score by three and a-half lengths at 11/4 from Sandor Clegane.

Mouse Morris said: "My horses were just arse-ways for six to 12 months, but hopefully have turned the corner now. I don't know what it was, but they just weren't finishing their races although some weren't any good.

"We had to clean out the whole place, changed water pots - did everything possible.

"Franciscan Rock had some good form and there were no slouches for today's four-horse race - any of the four could have won.

"He is qualified for the Pertemps (at Cheltenham), but a lot of water has to flow under the bridge first. I'll give him a break now."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes