The perennial champion jockey only came in for the ride after his original mount, Dancing Tornado, was a late withdrawal.

He got the verdict on Tom Taaffe's charge by half a length from the brave Themoonandsixpence.

Majestic Concorde, the 3-1 favourite, finished third, while top-weight The Fonze ran a huge race in fourth.

McCoy always had Finger Onthe Pulse near the pace and took him into the lead some way out.

A melee at the final fence cost several horses their chance but up front Taaffe's nine-year-old had to overcome the persistent challenge of Themoonandsixpence (7-1) to land the main race of the seven-day Festival in the West of Ireland.

McManus said: "A few people asked me if I fancied him and I said: 'Have your fiver each-way, he'll give you a good run for your money'.

"But I didn't even have that on him myself. Nonetheless I'm very, very happy.

"He's more than paid his way. Full marks to Tom, he had him looking tremendous.

"What do I have to say about the jockey? Tony is Tony. You have a bit of an edge when you have Tony with you."

Taaffe added: "It doesn't come that easily and you need a horse with a bit of class and reasonable handicap mark. He had both of those, thank God.

"Tony gave him a fantastic ride. That's why he is who he is.

"I feel a little sorry for Mark Walsh (original jockey for Finger Onthe Pulse).

"He has schooled him recently and was due to ride him, but things fell into place for Tony and it will be Mark's day another day."

Dermot Weld saddled his seventh winner at the meeting when Endless Intrigue coasted to victory in the www.thetote.com Maiden.

Twice successful in bumpers, the six-year-old had no difficulty in taking this prize for Robbie McNamara.

"He did it very nicely. Robbie was, as usual, in the right place at the right time and he made it easy," said Weld.

Seven later became eight Weld winners when Rock Critic, the 7-2 favourite, fairly bolted up for Pat Smullen in the Tote Trifecta Rollover Handicap.

Weld added: "He was at his best behaviour and I was delighted to be drawn wideish with him.

"He will run again at Naas on Monday."

Hoopy (8-1) gave trainer Gordon Elliott a first victory at the Galway Festival when holding off King Of Redfield and surviving a stewards' inquiry in the Tote Jackpot Races 3 To 6 Handicap Hurdle.

However, Shark Hanlon, trainer of the runner-up, later announced he would be appealing the decision.

He said: "My horse was interfered with not just once, but twice and Paul Carberry had his stick in the wrong hand and made no effort to change it over to the correct one.

"For a neck margin, and the fact that my horse was coming with a fast run, I will appeal."

Novel Investment (10-1) proved a shrewd bet in the Tote Telebet 1850 238 669 Handicap Hurdle, while Ballyadam Brook completed a hat-trick with a clear-cut success in the Tote Placepot Races 1 To 6 Novice Hurdle.