Sittingonthefence (7/1) clung on by an ever-reducing neck to take the spoils in the extended two and a-half mile handicap hurdle at Sligo.

The six-year-old mare swept to the front after two out and attempted to make the best way home.

She did that, but was all out to withstand a powerful late surge from Dragon's Pass (7/1) who really pressed her in the closing stages. Leish Oscars Son the 5/2 favourite, was another two and three quarter lengths away in third having been in there pitching two out.

Jockey JJ Slevin said: "She was idling in front. I got caught on her in Ballinrobe last summer so Sonny (Carey, trainer) said to me going out not to hit the front too soon. There was a slight change of plan, but thankfully she held on!

"They didn't go mad and the pace collapsed and I was left there, but in fairness to her she kept going well.

"She was clever at the last. Sonny always does a good job with anything he has, point-to-pointers or track horses, they always jump well. I know him a long time and it's great to ride a winner for him."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan