The James Dullea-trained Rusheen just prevailed in a cracking finish to the concluding handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

It developed into a duel in the two-mile-three contest after the second last as the eventual winner fought it out with Junot

Rusheen looked set for victory when gaining the advantage after the last, under Danny Mullins, but Junot rallied to push him hard in the closing stages and there was only short-head separating the pair at the line.

The 9/2 winner was gaining a deserved success having lost out by just a nose at Limerick over Christmas.

Dullea said:- “I’m delighted to get that as I was afraid of my life that we were going to get caught again today.

“He’s a grand horse and we’ll see what the handicapper does and tip away.

“He’s a chaser but won’t jump a fence until next year.

“He handles that ground but hopefully will be better on better ground. He’s naturally a very good jumper but not quite as good on that ground.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)