Friday 3 May 2019 18:48, UK
Reserve Tank held the late challenge of Sams Profile in a thrilling climax to the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.
A strong field of 11 runners went to post for the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One, with Martin Brassil's City Island the red-hot favourite at 11-10 as he aimed to follow up his impressive display in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The Colin Tizzard-trained Reserve Tank had won his three most recent starts over hurdles, completing his hat-trick with a surprise win at Aintree's Grand National meeting.
With Robbie Power in the saddle, the 13-2 chance headed the chasing pack as Royal Rendezvous led for much of the way, before cruising to the front before the home turn.
The five-year-old looked set to win decisively at the top of the straight, but Sams Profile powered home after the final flight and there was just half a length between the pair crossing the line.
Eglantine Du Seuil fared best of five runners for Willie Mullins in third, with City Island well-beaten in sixth.