Doneraile trainer Brian O'Keeffe saddled his first winner under rules as The Grey Guy gained reward for his consistency in the three-mile Comeragh Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

Runner-up on his previous two outings in similar events, the eight-year-old gelding was well-backed on track from 4/1 into 3/1 joint favourite.

Paddy Mangan sent him on three from home, and the former winning point-to-pointer dug deep on the run-in to deny Fiddlers Way by half a length.

The pair stretched 11 lengths clear of Sarah Battle in third, while the other joint favourite Oscar Sam was never travelling and was eventually pulled up.

O'Keeffe said, "I've had three point-to-point winners this year but this is my first racecourse winner. I took out my license a year ago, have six horses and hopefully will get a couple more now!

"It's amazing to win and he jumps and stays and is very genuine. He'll stay hurdling this year and if he is good, and in one piece, will go chasing next season."

Mangan said, "I thought they went quick early on. I couldn't lay up with them but he's a tough horse to stay at it. He's very consistent and there should be another one in him."

(TW & AM)