Costanuci© Photo Healy Racing
The John Queally-trained Costanuci lunged late to land the spoils in the Dunmore East Handicap Hurdle at Tramore.
Aidan Kelly produced the 10/3 favourite to challenge two from home in the two-five contest but she looked booked for third going to the last as Royal Recital and Kilnurry Jj battled it out.
The Doyen mare found plenty on the run-in however and got to the front close home to pip her rivals and secure a neck success. Kimurry Jj won the battle for the runner-up spot.
Kelly: "It's my first day back riding and it couldn't have gone any better. I think it was five weeks ago last Tuesday since I broke my collar bone at Tipperary. It was a long five weeks and I'm having a fair auld blow now.
"I thought early on that we were going to go a good gallop, the way everyone was lining-up. The boys just told me to take my time on her and give her plenty of light. It seemed to work out and I'd say she could win a couple more.
"It was my first time on her so I didn't know much about her. I just had a look at her races and she seemed a grand, easy-going filly. She is genuine out and I'd say if there was more hurdles today she would have won a bit better."
Two of the four flights in a circuit were omitted, due to low lying sun, with a just the second last and final flight in place, leaving the runners with long runs on the level between jumping.
(Quotes by Donal Murphy)
