Neil Ryan sends Hokusai home© Photo Healy Racing
Hokusai (14/1) gave Neil Ryan a welcome winner in the 21-runner handicap over 1m1f in Leopardstown.
The top-weight availed of Ryan's 7lb claim and raced in a handy fourth on the inner approaching the home straight.
He was still notably on the bridle entering the final quarter of a mile and was switched out to come with his run outside the final furlong.
He improved to lead inside the final furlong and was pushed out to account for Pegula (33/1) by a length and a-quarter. Luke Comer's Bright Dick (12/1) stayed on well to almsot get up for second and was two and a-half lengths in front of stablemate Rock Basher (8/1).
“He's been hard to win with, that's his first,” trainer Noel Meade said.
“He likes a bit of ease in the ground and everything went well. I suppose he dropped down into the 65s which helped as well.
“Neil is the most fantastic worker, he's with me all the time and rides all the work with Colin (Keane) and the boys.
“I'm so delighted for him to ride winners because he rides really well, but he's just been a bit unlucky. He gave that lad a peach.
“He rides out all the good horses at home, like Layfayette and Caught U Looking, and the rough ones as well. He's a great lad and the hardest-working jockey you ever came across.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
