The Tommy Stack-trained Piper Hill battled gamely to land the spoils in the concluding bumper at Thurles.

Jane Mangan produced her mount to challenge early in the straight and the Hawk Wing gelding soon hit the lead.

He had to pull out all the stops in the final furlong, however, as Six Stone Ned threw down a strong challenge.

There was nothing to choose between the pair in the closing stages with Piper Hill just proving stronger by a half length.

The winner had ran with plenty of promise on his debut at Leopardstown when fourth behind the smart Jezki.

Mangan came in for plenty of praise afterwards with Tommy Stack saying:-"That girl can ride!"

Fozzy Stack added:-"She'd do wouldn't she!" He said about the winner:- "He ran well at Leopardstown the first day and we were waiting for better ground.

"He'll probably go to the Doncaster sales now in May." Moon Over Mandalay was sent off the 15/8 favourite but weakened quickly in the back straight and was pulled up.

(GC & TW)