Willie Mullins struck for Ireland with Blackstairmountain in the Nakayama Grand Jump in Japan but the champion trainer could not quite celebrate with a victory in lesser company at Tramore.

Mullins saddled Dougal Philps in the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Maiden Hurdle in the same Susannah Ricci colours, and at one stage the four-year-old was 10 lengths clear.

He tied up dramatically, however, and all Paul Townend's persuasion could not get him home as Martin Ferris swooped on the Tony Martin-trained Busted Tycoon (14-1) to beat Age Of Glory by a head, with another short head to Dougal Philps.

There was almost a repeat of the finishing thrills in the Online Booking At www.tramore-racecourse.com Maiden Hurdle when Time Please with the race in the bag, slowed up so much that he only had a fast-diminishing neck to spare over Treacy Hotels Boy

Mark Walsh rode the Edward O'Grady-trained winner (11-4), who had matched strides with Henry de Bromhead's Knockeenonthedoor until that one slithered to a halt on landing over the second-last, setting up the dramatic conclusion involving the latter's stablemate.

De Bromhead didn't take long to pick up compensation when top-weight Beckwith Star (5-1) led going to the last under Phillip Enright and ran on strongly to take the Graun Hill Suite Perfect For Parties Handicap Hurdle by three and a quarter lengths.

Rodger Sweeney's in-form Fiery Oscar made a successful transition to fences to complete a hat-trick in commanding style in the Like Tramore Racecourse On Facebook Handicap Chase.

Colman Sweeney rode a patient race on the 5-4 favourite, cruising into contention after the third-last and clearing away heading for the final fence before winning by 11 lengths, despite a minor scare when he pecked slightly on landing after a flying leap.

John Costello's Final Gift (11-4) took command of the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Hunters Chase when favourite Nevskij was pulled up quickly late on, winning by 10 lengths under James Carroll.