Turanga Lilly and Jack Kennedy© Photo Healy Racing
A clear favourite only emerged late on for the Connacht Tribune Mares Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe but Fiveaftermidnight (15/8) had to play second fiddle to Turanga Lilly (3/1).
Eight lengths eventually split them and Jack Kennedy did the steering in the Kaniz Bloodstock Investments Limited silks for Gordon Elliott.
"It's great to get a win for the owners and she's only getting the hang of jumping now," said stable representative Davy Condon.
"All along the noise of the hurdles used to upset her but the hood seems to have made a big difference.
"After plenty of schooling she's only actually getting her act together now.
"There should be another race in her for sure. She'll go on quick ground as well so she'll bang away all summer.
"The Donworths (owners) are breeders so it's great as they'll likely breed from her in time."
(EM)
