He sent four horses into battle this year and it turned into a straight fight between the top two in the betting.

There was little to choose between the JP McManus-owned pair as the post loomed and they flashed by almost as one.

The judge soon confirmed that at the end of almost four and a quarter miles, 11-4 chance Auvergnat and

Donal McInerney had beaten Nina Carberry-ridden 5-2 favourite Josies Orders by a neck.

Ballyboker Bridge was best of the rest in third.

Bolger said: "It was close and hard luck on Nina, but both horses ran their hearts out. Auvergnat was our fancy because he'd run at Cheltenham and he's only eight and an up-and-coming horse. I must say he got a great ride from Donie as well.

"It's great for the race that it was a tight finish and exciting.

"My Hometown (long-time leader before falling) is my hunter and may be back on Saturday. He was enjoying it in front and if he's OK we might pull him out again."

There was, however, a sad postscript with the Bolger-trained 13-year-old Cantlow, who finished fifth, collapsing and dying when returning to the stables after the race.

A wonderful servant over many years, really sad news from Punchestown - farewell, Cantlow pic.twitter.com/6ajHezoZ93

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 26, 2018

There are extremely distressing scenes to report at Punchestown, where Cantlow has collapsed in front of racegoers on the walkway back to the unsaddling enclosure.

— Racing Post (@RacingPost) April 26, 2018

🏇🏻 RIP Cantlow

🐎 47 starts, 7 victories

💷 Over £184,000 in prize money

🥇 Cheltenham Cross Country Chase winner (Dec 2016)

🥉 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase third

⭐️ A Cross Country hero pic.twitter.com/q9WuOOg0ax

— ODDSbible Racing (@ODDSbibleRacing) April 26, 2018

- PA