Kilcrea & Paddy Mangan see of the challenge of Malt Gem & Rob Jones© Photo Healy Racing
The father and son team of Jimmy and Paddy Mangan took the 2m 6f Anglo Printers Maiden Hurdle for the second year running as Kilcrea obliged for favourite backers.
The 5yo son of Definite Article was sent off the 7/4 favourite this afternoon on just his second start over hurdles.
He raced in third for much of the contest before he improved to lead and dispute from the fourth last flight.
He stayed on best from the last to record a three parts of a length success over Malt Gem in second at 9/1 under Rob Jones for Mary Louise Hallahan.
The front duo went twenty nine lengths clear of Shattered Dream who finished way back in third under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott at 11/4.
Jimmy Mangan said afterwards: "We always held him in high regard but he will be better on better ground. Credit to his owners who have been very patient with him. He will go for a winners of one now or a novice."
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
