Arizona Flyer and Donie McInerney lead over the last from Christmas Jumper (partly hidden)© Photo Healy Racing
Arizona Flyer (14/1) won the Visit Dunmore East Handicap Hurdle (80-95) by a nose in a driving finish, with Rachael Blackmore just being denied a four-timer aboard runner-up Christmas Jumper (9/4 fav).
The winner, by Fame And Glory and a half-sister to Ryanair Chase third Tornado Flyer, was fourth at Thurles in March but had refused to race last time at Downpatrick.
She travelled sweetly on this occasion, though, and came through to lead two out before being all out to hold on after the last.
It was a welcome winner for Donie McInerney who is not long back from injury after a nasty fall at Down Royal in early May.
Winning trainer Michael Winters said: "She is fierce quiet everywhere bar the races. We were probably unlucky the last day in Downpatrick because it was a bad race. We didn't even get our money back off the bookies!
"Donie rode her first time out two or three years ago and I'm delighted for him. If I had the choice of anyone to give a winner to it would be him. He is a great horseman.
"We can run her where we want now because we will get in. She was balloted out all over the country since she finished fourth in Thurles. She is a well-bred mare and the owner had Granny Biddy with us too so he is a lucky man."
Quotes from Donal Murphy
