Lady proves tough

Wing It Lady battled well to land the spoils in the Goresbridge Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Ian McCarthy produced his mount travelling well to lead at the second last in the two-mile contest.

The Hawk Wing mare was soon pressed by Bad Cigar and had to get down to work before the final flight.

The pair fought it out on the run-in but Wing It Lady was winning the argument in the closing stages and posted a half-length victory.

5/2 favourite Lead Kindly Light was struggling turning for home and kept on one paced into third.

The 6/1 winner had shaped well on her handicap debut at Clonmel last month when third behind Fiery Oscar.

It was a first success since last July for trainer Jimmy Coogan, who would have more Flat runners than jumps performers.

“She battled on well. I half fancied her in Clonmel but she made a bad mistake at the second last. We'll go for something similar again,” said Coogan afterwards.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)