Great Trango, far side, sees off Riders Onthe Storm© Photo Healy Racing
After a plethora of runner-up finishes, Great Trango got off the mark in the Woodlands House Hotel Adare Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.
He had finished second in no less than six of his previous nine races but got the job done today.
The 3/1 shot raced in fourth before improving into second approaching the home bend in this two mile contest.
He moved to the front ahead of Plan Of Attack at the second last but had Riders Onthe Storm for company.
The latter travelled strongly on the outside of Great Trango and was on terms at the final hurdle.
However, when the battle commenced on the run-in he didn't find as much as Great Trango who edged ahead in the closing stages to win by a head under Eamonn Corbett.
Runner-up Riders Onthe Storm was well punted from 9/4 to 6/4 favourite.
The pair pulled 11 lengths clear of third-placed Icario (7/1).
Trainer Harry Kelly said: "I'm delighted for the lads (Martin Donohue, owner) as they gladly bought him from John Halley and he is a grand horse. Everyday he goes out he runs his race and you'd like going racing because you know you've a chance.
"He's tough and the good thing about him is he can run all year round and he's a horse we'll aim for the amateur handicap at Galway next year.
"He had one run for Ballydoyle but was a backward and lazy type. He is actually very genuine but we put the blinkers on him to help him."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
