Cousin Shay, far side, nails Lion Ring© Photo Healy Racing
From fully last two furlongs out, Cousin Shay thundered home to win the second division of the seven-furlong handicap under Conor Hoban.
The pair found a seam and made progress by the furlong pole and then switched left to storm home to win by a short head at 12/1 from 14/1 shot Lion Ring Finke River the 6/5 favourite, was a never nearer third.
Trainer John McConnell said: “He's obviously had ability but he's very immature. You can see when he saw the flash of the camera here he was jumping. He's a baby still, mentally and physically.
“It was good to get his win and I'm delighted to get one for Damian (Lavelle, owner). Hopefully he can kick on and go on during the winter.
“He had a good run here in January and then had a little mishap. He came on for the last day and hit the line well there today so hopefully there is more to come.”
This was Cousin Shay's breakthrough success on his sixth start.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
