THE race of the day served up a finish to match as the classy Beacon Edge nailed Fury Road in the dying strides of the Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle to prompt thoughts of a trip across the water to Cheltenham or Aintree.

A fourth winner of the race this century for Noel Meade and his fifth in all, Beacon Edge was looking to bounce back from a somewhat disappointing effort when third to Bachasson at Naas last month. A close third earlier to Honeysuckle in the Hatton’s Grace, bore close inspection here, partnered by Sean Flanagan. Fellow Gigginstown House Stud-owned runner Fury Road attempted to make all and produced some fine jumps, notably when he flew the last, but he could never shake off a tenacious Beacon Edge who gave his all to force his way to the front in the final yards.