"I had to go long at the last as I could hear a horse coming behind me and thought if I chipped in (put in an extra stride) and lost momentum, one could come flying by me. There was a stride there and I took it but she knuckled on landing," explained Gary Noonan after winning on Missiee (6/1) at Limerick.

This Mr. Binman Mares Handicap Hurdle saw the win up for grabs again after the final flight drama but in fairness to the Eoin McCarthy-trained Missiee she wasn't long about grabbing back the initiative and she went on to account for Carrig Carol and Global Equity by two lengths and a length and three parts.

"She had a bit up her sleeve and found a leg so quickened away again. She is very tough, loves those conditions and had a light weight on her back," further reflected Noonan.

Local handler McCarthy was at Leopardstown saddling Well Funded there. That Camelot mare finished towards the rear in the 1.45 event.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Belle Metal trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kilbree Warrior trained by Oliver McKiernan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)