Poker Party repelled the challenge of Ravenhill in a driving finish to the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel as trainer Henry de Bromhead and rider Rachael Blackmore teamed up for another big-race success.  

Party Poker, who was sent off a 14-1 shot after unseating Blackmore in the Galway Plate on his most recent outing, was held up early before travelling strongly into contention approaching the penultimate obstacle.  

The son of Gentlewave jumped that fence in unison with the Gordon Elliott-trained Ravenhill, Na Trachtalai Abu and Internal Transfer. 

Heading to the last, Poker Party, Ravenhill and the fast-finishing English raider Shantou Village pulled clear, with Blackmore ultimately galvanising her mount to see off Ravenill by a head as they crossed the line. 

Shantou Village unshipped Robbie Power after the last while still holding every chance and Na Trachtalai Abu, who ran in the same colours as the winner, was the primary beneficiary as he stayed on for third place.   

Internal Transfer was fourth. 

De Bromhead said afterwards: "After the Plate we said we'd aim towards today, but it was more get him round and try to get him a bit of confidence in these big handicaps.

"I felt we threw him into the Plate a bit and he got the fright of his life. In fairness to Brian (Acheson, owner), he said to Rachael if you can finish fourth or fifth I'll be absolutely delighted.

"She got him jumping and he started to enjoy himself. He really stuck his head down at the finish and ground it out. It's fantastic to win the race, and to emulate my dad who won it with Bishops Hall.

"The Achesons are great supporters of the yard and it's great to do it for them as well."