Kilbride HIll and John Aherne © Photo Healy Racing
Having won the previous race with Drumgill trainer John Ryan recorded a quick double when Kilbride Hill made every yard of the running to gamely land the Apex Controls Ltd Handicap Hurdle at Sligo.
Having his first start in handicap company after five maiden runs, the six-year-old was sent straight into the lead from flag fall by John Aherne and was never headed. Tipp For Mac emerged as a serious threat when closing right up after three out but the Tom Cooper trained gelding had no more to offer after two out. Lodilomoco a stablemate of the winner, came through to throw down a strong challenge after the last but could never get by the gallant one-and-a-quarter-length winner.
John Aherne: "I'm from Mallow and I've been riding as an amateur for four years. I've ridden two point-to-point winners at Kildorrery.
"I go up to John's place as much as I can and go to a local yard, Arthur O'Grady's, as well. I've been going in there since I was very young and he's been very good to me, as has John to give me these opportunities.
"This horse was very good and very honest and I knew coming up the hill that I'd loads underneath me. I'm just delighted to get this winner and am still on cloud nine."
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan.
