Bynx (right) and Lucky Viv jump the last together© Photo Healy Racing
Martin Hassett recorded his fifth winner from his last 13 runners, as Bynx claimed the Kilmeaden Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Placed four times prior to today, the Vadamos bay went down by just half-a-length on her penultimate outing at Gowran.
Sent off a 3/1 chance this evening, she was settled behind the leaders on the outer, improving to the front on the approach to the second last.
Not fluent at that flight and soon joined by Lucky Viv she pulled out that bit more when ridden on the run-in, going on to prevail by half-a-length.
The well-supported Lucky Viv (15/2 early, returned 7/2) had to settle for second under Ambrose McCurtin for Michael 'Trixie' Barry, while Hamartia (5/2fav) was another five lengths away in third.
"The yard is on fire!," Hassett, who was recording his sixth winner of the year, quipped.
"We came here fairly confident. She was working well at home. She is a bit of a fruitcake and goes up on the gallop on her own everyday. Come race time she is grand, even though she was a bit keen today.
"Brian is probably one of the most underrated jockeys in the country. He was dynamite today.
"The lads in the syndicate are all from a hurling background, they are from Nenagh and Drom & Inch in Tipperary.
"I told the lads that she'd win on the Flat and over hurdles. She hasn't won on the Flat yet but I knew she'd win eventually. She is tough and genuine."
STEWARDS REPORTS
J.J. Doyle, rider of Ned's Legacy trained by P.M.J.Doyle, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. This was subsequently confirmed by the IHRB Veterinary Officer.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed A. McCurtin, rider of Lucky Viv, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. A. McCurtin accepted he was in breach and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards found A. McCurtin in breach of R.10.3(g) (frequency) and on considering his record in this regard they suspended him for six racedays.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Lucky Viv trained by Michael Barry had lost a right hind shoe during this race.
