The Paul Townend-ridden Pires gained a last-gasp victory in the featured Water Towers Chase in Ballinrobe, continuing the superb form of trainer Tony Martin.

Kevin Prendergast, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, has clearly lost none of the magic and was on the mark at Galway last night when Vastonea landed the featured Topaz Mile.

JOHNNY Murtagh was crowned champion jockey for the fifth time, and received his trophy from Katie Taylor, following a double on Takar and Call To Battle for John Oxx at Leopardstown yesterday.

Twirl continued Aidan O'Brien's excellent weekend with a bloodless victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown.