First Irish victory for Coolnacritta

The 5/4 favourite Coolnacritta won the first division of the Book Your Tickets For The Winter Festival Handicap Hurdle under 5lb claimer Richie Deegan.

The Windsor Knot gelding, a winner at Hexham in June when trained in Britain by Neil Mechie, tracked the leaders before being sent to the front entering the straight with two to jump.

The 6-year-old stayed on well from that point to account for Paddy Wickla by three lengths.

The chestnut was making his second start for winning trainer Mark Fahey who said: “He’s been very straightforward since I got him and we learned a bit about him when he ran in Limerick (second) the last day.

“It wasn’t the strongest of races today and that’s his level. Richie (Deegan) gave him a great ride.

“He’s entered up in Tramore on Thursday. We’ll see how he is and he might go down there. He wants good ground.”

Quotes from Alan Magee