EMMET Mullins and Paul Byrne might well have found their next major flagbearer in Corbetts Cross, who posted a smashing performance to edge out the highly regarded Found A Fifty in a thrilling Grade 2 Johnstown Novice Hurdle.

It was the two leading fancies who fought out an excellent finish to the race won by classy hurdlers Jason The Militant, Echoes In Rain and Flame Bearer in recent years, with the mount of Donagh Meyler prevailing by a head from the Gordon Elliott-trained and Jordan Gainford-ridden runner-up.