Tout Est Permis maintained his highly progressive profile since joining Noel Meade this season by just coming out best in a thrilling finish to the Horse & Jockey Chase at Thurles.

The Gigginstown-owned gelding is now three from three for the Castletown trainer this term after this Grade 2 victory in what was formerly known as the Kinloch Brae Chase.

However victory was only confirmed following a very tight photo-finish after another Gigginstown runner, Sub Lieutenant made a bold bid from the front.

J J Slevin replaced Rachael Blackmore, who was stood down after a couple of falls earlier on the card, on Sub Lieutenant and he had all his rivals stretched approaching the straight.

Tout Est Permis made a significant mistake four out but gradually wore down the front-runner after the last, and the 13/8 favourite just got up in the final stride under Sean Flanagan to prevail by a short-head at odds of 13/8. Total Recall was a few lengths away in third when losing any chance by sprawling badly on landing at the last, eventually finishing nine and a half lengths adrift.

Flanagan and Meade were completing a double on the day following the earlier win of First Approach

Meade said, "I haven't enjoyed a winner as much in a long time because I was down at the final fence and I was sure he was beaten and I couldn't believe he got up.

"The story is he wants further and softer ground as well as it was plenty quick for him. What will happen next I don't know but he could well run in the Ryanair. He is improving and he is putting on weight and getting stronger all the time.

"We were very sweet on him today and the other horse (Sub Lieutenant) is a good horse on his day. His mistake was a bad one and he should learn a lot from the race.

"I'd be more inclined not to go to Gowran now (for the Red Mills Chase) as it could empty him out over 2m4f there but I'll have to talk to the bosses first.

"He is in both the Ryanair and Gold Cup and while he'd love the Gold Cup trip, he is only six so we'll see."

Tout Est Permis is 33/1 with Betfair and Boylesports for the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup, while he is generally 20/1 for the Ryanair Chase.

(TW & AM)