The money came for Hunt during the day and the gamble was landed in Dundalk after a photo finish involving Ortiga

Hunt, the 4/9 favourite from 10/11 this morning, turned for home in the lead and was travelling noticeably well with just over two furlongs to go in this seven furlong median auction maiden.

However, Ortiga was proving troublesome on his shoulder and refused to go away. With a furlong and a half to go both Pat Smullen on Hunt and Gary Carroll aboard Ortiga were in the drive position with their mounts locked together.

Hunt held a very marginal advantage approaching the line and Ortiga (8/1) came back for more as the lead was whittled down to a short head.

Handler Johnny Murtagh said: "I thought I was beaten. Pat said he was a bit leery in front. He's been beaten in two photo finishes before so I was a bit worried.

"He's gelded now and is probably a handicapper. We'll try and find a three-year-old only handicap for him. Pat said seven is a good trip for him."

This was Pat Smullen's second winner on the evening as he also took the opener on Chiclet

Additional reporting by Gary Carson