Karen's Gift and James O'Sullivan© Photo Healy Racing
Karen's Gift just held the late surge of Kalanisi Dubh to land the Coors Mares Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal for Philip Rothwell and James O'Sullivan.
The daughter of Jeremy took over from front-runner Kelly's Birr after the third last and had her rivals at work running down to the penultimate flight in the two-mile-one contest.
Kalanisi Dubh threw down a strong challenge on the run-in but just failed by a head to peg back the 14/1 winner.
Karen's Gift was recording her first win since landing a maiden hurdle at Roscommon in September 2020. She had cost owner Robert Honner just €2,500 at the sales last February.
O'Sullivan said: "She was (tough) - dropping back in trip there today probably suited her and a bit better ground. The last day we just felt maybe over the two and a half (miles) that she probably didn't get home.
"Back on a bit better ground and they went a strong gallop in front of her and it seemed to suit her well."
When asked if she was on a going day today he added:- "Definitely."
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
