Favourite Mind The Steps just prevailed in a driving finish to Kilbeggan’s two mile handicap hurdle.
Seven-pound claimer Rob Jones fought out a battle with five-pound claimer Mattie Bowes on Charger from the third last and got his six-year-old gelding up by a short head.
The winner was trained by David Martin Kelly and had been subject of morning support from 7/2 to 5/2 but was returned at 7/2 on course.
Kelly was represented by his father Tom who said: “He’s a game little horse and we’ll find another handicap for him.”
The Nature Calls Syndicate from Co Galway were the winning connections and they were headed up by Paddy Carty.
There was an objection from the runner-up to the winner regarding possible interference in the last 50 yards but the result stood with no alterations.
Gordon Elliott’s South Wing completed the placings while Erra Go On (16/1 to 12/1) took fourth place.
