Avalo and Pioneer Pete served up the finish of the day at Punchestown with the former edging the verdict after a terrific duel.

The pair came through to battle it out going to the final hurdle in the FRS Fencing Handicap Hurdle and flashed past the post locked together.

It was the Peter Fahey-trained gelding, a 14/1 shot, who had a short-head to spare at the line, under a strong drive from Sam Ewing.

Fahey said:- “Last year, in fairness, he always ran great races.

“On his second run at Wexford last year he travelled so well around there with Jake Coen and I was keen to drop him back to two miles and get in here.

“Seamus Perry and Brian Larkin bought into him and it’s worked out great for them. To come to the Punchestown festival and get a winner is brilliant.

“Our lad has been known as a weak finisher and a bridle horse but he dug deep today.

“He’ll tip away for a couple more handicaps and he’ll end up being a nice chaser.”