The Abbey defied top weight of 10-2 to land the first split of the mile and six handicap in Killarney by the narrowest margin.

The 9/2 joint favourite made good progress along the rail to hit the front racing past the furlong pole.

He was soon ridden by Leigh Roche and kept on as Nudge The Judge joined issue in the final 100 yards.

The pair fought their way to the line and The Abbey got the verdict by a nose from the 11/1 runner-up. Differentiate (17/2) finished strongly for third, half a length back.

This gave trainer Gordon Elliott and across-the-card treble as The Very Man and Make My Heart Fly were successful in the National Hunt card at Roscommon in the afternoon.