Peacocks Secret (green blinkers) jumps the last alongside Milomynit© Photo Healy Racing
Mikey Hamill performed heroics to get Peacocks Secret (11/2) home in front in the Visit Newry Mourne & Down Handicap Hurdle.
The John 'Shark' Hanlon trained seven-year-old looked set for a comfortable success when ridden to the front after the last, however he veered left on the bend before the home stretch after Hamill lost his irons. Milomynit was then back on terms and the pair battled it out towards the line, with Peacocks Secret soon regaining the lead, going on to prevail by half a length.
The aforementioned Milomynit (6/1) had to settle for second under Rachael Blackmore, while Cappacon (10/1) was a further six and a half lengths back in third. Wooster and A Place Apart were the 7/2 joint-favourites, and they finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Hamill said afterwards: "Everything went according to plan and we turned in and we were trapping and I actually don't know but my left leg just slipped out after the last.
"Thank God he's a big horse and it is a narrow run-in - if it was a big galloping track I don't think I would have won but he was honest all the way to the line so job well done.
"Shark just told me today to ride him like the best horse in the race.
"That's my second winner since I'm back in Ireland, it is tipping away grand. Shark has been a big supporter so we will keep working hard."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Triolet trained by C.A.McBratney was found to have blood on the nose as a result of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage post race.
A.W. Short, rider of Triolet trained by C.A.McBratney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel in running.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
