Trainer PJ Lally was not at Clonmel to witness his first winner in just over five years as Mac Tiernan benefitted from a inspired front-running ride from Martin Harley in the Premier County Handicap.

The 14/1 shot kicked clear entering the straight and the result never looked in doubt from there.

He stayed on strongly to post a five-length verdict over 11/4f Waydownsouth

"PJ will be very disappointed not to be here as it's his first winner in five years," said assistant trainer Paul Kiernan.

"We'll go jumping with the winner and look for a three-year-old hurdle." Kiernan also bred the gelding and stands sire Minashki.

Lally's last winner came in August 2005 when The Tinker Murray won a maiden hurdle at Naas.