A mud splattered Augher Castle and Helen Mooney pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Augher Castle provided the Mooney family with a memorable success as he got up in the closing stages to win the Yellow Furze Handicap Hurdle.
Trained by Paddy Mooney, the son of Lahib was ridden by his daughter Helen who also owns the seven-year-old.
Having opened at 20/1 he was well-supported on-course and went off a 12/1 chance.
Settled towards rear he had a wall of horses in front of him as they entered the straight for the final time.
It wasn't until after two out that he really got going, coming with his challenge after the last, getting up in the closing stages to prevail by a head. Candle Island (12/1), who hit the front after three out, had to settle for second under Luke Dempsey for Michael McCullagh, while Not For Burning (25/1) was a further two and three parts of a length back in third under Robbie Power for Denise Foster. Mount Masada was sent off the 15/8 favourite (from 5/2 on-course and from 9/2 last night) fell at the last when beaten.
Paddy Mooney said afterwards: "I thought he might not get through the ground as it was very deep and heavy.
"He was in good form coming here and we were hoping for a good run. Number 13 was lucky for us.
"He could run at Limerick over Christmas. He's a tough little horse.
"That's Helen's first winner for me. She rode a few winners for Dessie Hughes and a few point-to-point winners. That would be her first winner over hurdles.
"That can be her Christmas present!"
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
