Glenmalure Lodge © Photo Healy Racing
So often the bridesmaid, particularly at Ballinrobe, Glenmalure Lodge (7/2) finally got her turn when landing the Lodge At Ashford Castle Handicap Chase.
A 23-race maiden coming into this staying contest, the daughter of Mahler had finished second six times over hurdles, five of which were at the Mayo venue, and had been third to My Friend The Wind over the smaller obstacles here last month.
She comprehensively turned the tables on the 5/2 favourite, making steady headway from off the pace on the final circuit to lead at the second-last. Six and a half lengths was the margin of victory over Kilashee with My Friend The Wind another four and a half lengths back in third.
The nine-year-old had been pulled up on her only previous start in this discipline.
Completing a double on the card, after Dorans River for absent trainer Philip Rothwell, Glenmalure Lodge is owned by Anne Dowling.
Winning rider Paddy O'Hanlon said: "She had hit the crossbar plenty of times, albeit over hurdles. She had only had one run in a chase last year but took to it there like a duck to water and I'm delighted to get her head in front.
"She won well, jumped, travelled away and done everything right. I was just wanting to stick with Liam Quinlan's horse (Kilashee) for as long as I could, just to have something to take me along, but she stuck at it well."
