finished with a flourish to emerge victorious in a thrilling renewal of the Star Sports National
Hurdle at Fontwell.
Kerry Lee’s stable star was on a hat-trick in the Grade Two contest, having followed up a handicap win at Hereford in December with a narrow victory over the reopposing Salver in a valuable conditions event at Windsor last month.
Salver was the 13-8 favourite to turn the tables, with Nemean Lion a 2-1 shot in a field of five.
Salver pressed Steel Ally for the lead in the early stages of the two-mile-three-furlong contest, but the latter was allowed to stride on heading out for the second circuit and looked to have both the market leader and Nemean Lion in trouble as he turned for home in front.
However, Richard Patrick conjured a late rattle out of the tough-as-teak Nemean Lion, who dug deep with the benefit of the rail after the final flight to get up and beat the gallant Steel Ally by a neck. Salver was a further eight lengths behind in third.
Nemean Lion was winning at Grade Two level for a second time, having landed the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton 12 months ago.