Mossy Island, left, outguns Balofilo in Ballinrobe© Photo Healy Racing
Sabrina Harty's Mossy Island was game on the run-in to bag the two mile one handicap hurdle under Andrew Lynch.
The 7/2 favourite always had the leaders in his sights as he raced in the second rank of horses. He was far from fluent at the third last but quickly recovered his position just behind the leaders.
Lynch guided him along the rail and he picked up the lead at the three pole. The eight-year-old gelding still had plenty in the tank but was pressed by Balofilo on the turn for home.
The pair both jumped the last well but Mossy Island held a half length advantage upon touching down. He was ridden out by Lynch and increased the margin in the closing stages to a length and a quarter.
Balofilo was second at 12/1 while Closh was two and half lengths away in third at 16/1. Summers King (16/1) gave his supporters a place return in fourth in this 16-runner handicap hurdle.
Sabrina Harty said: "I'm delighted for the owners (Mrs Irene Appelbe from Ballinrobe and now living in Watergrasshill, Co Cork) who also bred him and have waited a while for this.
"Andrew (Lynch) actually said he ran a better race the last day on quicker ground. He's bred to be a staying chaser and will go chasing at some stage."
Mossy Island was third at Limerick in a two and a quarter mile handicap hurdle last-time out. This was his first career success on his 12th appearance.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
