Definite Income and Brian Hayes pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
The first divide of the Monart Destination Spa Ladies Evening Handicap Hurdle went to a son of Definite Article (The Rite Article), and the second divide was won by a daughter, as Definite Income sprang a surprise.
Having shown very little on her five previous starts, the John Kiely trained six-year-old was sent off a 14/1 chance in the colours of owner Liam Curran.
Settled behind the leaders by Brian Hayes, she improved into a share of the lead after five out. She led on the approach to the straight, and kept on well under pressure from the second last, going on to score by four and three parts of a length. Jet Mistress finished second under Jack Kennedy for Paul Nolan at 4/1, while Milano Express (16/1) was a further four and a half lengths back in third under Danny Mullins for Pat Fahy.
The well-backed Canny Tom was sent off the 7/2 favourite (from 5’s) and he finished a disappointing seventh under Keith Donoghue for Gordon Elliott.
Brian Hayes said afterwards: "She has been very disappointing on her last three runs. Today was her first day at three miles and I think that made the difference.
"She was working well at home but she just hadn't been doing it on the track. Today we jumped her out a bit handier, and with the three miles she was just in her comfort zone. She was happier and she finished her race well. She wasn't finishing her races.
"She is no star but when a mare starts winning they can keep improving and hopefully she will be one of them."
