The Two-Mile Borris Handicap Hurdle looked a highly competitive affair with a maximum field of 18, and it provided a thrilling finish with Game Puppeteer just prevailing for trainer/rider Paul Power.

The Gamut gelding, who is owned by Power’s mother Bride, had about seven of his rivals ahead on the approaching to the final flight but came home strongly on the outer.

The 10/1 chance was adding to a win in a similar event at Tramore four weeks ago, and just got up in the closing strides to deny Millen Dollar Man by a head with Grey Mountain Mist another head away in third. Billybuster completed the places three quarters of a length further back in fourth.

Power said, "He has been reasonably consistent and has done a job for us. He wants that ground and we'll see what the rain does before deciding if he runs again this year.

"It was a bit dead for him the last day and might have got there a bit too soon also. That's my third winner as a trainer."

(TW & AM)