Drop The Anchor, far side, wins a battle with Getaway Gorgeous© Photo Healy Racing
Drop The Anchor found plenty for pressure to land the Grade B handicap hurdle in Listowel for Pat Fahy and Simon Torrens.
He brought up a 179.5/1 double for Torrens who took the preceding race on the card with Northern Emperor (18/1).
The six-year-old son of Shantou moved into contention behind Getaway Gorgeous approaching the second last.
Getaway Gorgeous was always to the fore and jumped well throughout. She was joined at the final flight by Drop The Anchor but neither horse put in their best jump there.
The pair were locked together on the run-in in a thrilling battle, and it was Drop The Anchor who got the verdict by a short head at 17/2.
The 3/1 favourite Getaway Gorgeous had to settle for a runner-up dividend, but was three and three quarter lengths ahead of Bua Boy (12/1).
Pat Fahy said: "That was a great pot to win and he won his bumper here on similar ground (in 2018). I had a few horses beaten recently that ran well but thought I'm never going to get a bit of luck!
"The non-runners were a big help, and it was his first run back, but funny enough he can run well first-time.
"The jockey was claiming 5lbs from a low weight and, to ride a winner in the race before it, he is on fire so it is unbelievable. That was his first ride for me and I'm delighted with him, the horse, the owner and Aoibhinn (Walsh) for bringing him down.
"I'm delighted racing is still on and giving people a chance to make a living.
"I'll look for something similar with the horse and, depending on what the owners say, he might go up in trip if the ground isn't as soft next time." Whirling Dervish was gambled on from 16/1 to 7/1 but came home sixth.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
