Icy Reply s drift left in the closing stages of the Guinness Novice Hurdle at Galway, opened the door for Desertmore Stream to land the two and a half miler under Brian O'Connell.

The Aine O'Connor-ridden Icy Reply had got the better of the eventual third, Pink Hat but her deviation from a straight line presented the opportunity for the strong finishing Desertmore Stream who got up by a length and a quarter.

O'Connell said of the Gigginstown House Stud-owned winner: "I was struggling as he was a bit keen and a bit deliberate in his jumping.

"He missed the second last and done the same at the last. It was unfortunate for Dessie's horse (Icy Reply) that she veered a little to the left but in fairness to my fella he stuck at it well to get there in the last fifty yards."

Winning trainer Philip Fenton commented: "He's a good stayer and he'll probably jump a fence (a point-to-point winner in the past)." (TW & EM)