Dessie Hughes took the training honours at the final meeting of the year at Kilbeggan yesterday evening when saddling a 34 to 1 double with Hemisphere and Conclave.

Hemisphere, successful in the Elan Midlands National here in July, again showed his liking for the track. Conor O'Dwyer had the top-weight up with the pace throughout and could afford to ease the nine-year-old in the closing stages. The Kerry National at Listowel later this month is next on the agenda for Hemisphere.

Hughes was in the winner's enclosure again just half an hour later when Conclave showed admirable battling qualities to take the Breeders Supporting Kilbeggan Beginners Chase.

The Shardari gelding went off to make all under Garrett Cotter, but Global Diamond looked set to land the spoils when striking the front after two out.

However, the 6 to 4 favourite weakened approaching the last, where Conclave once again took it up and strode clear.