Mark McDonagh has Always Enchanting clear at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Always Enchanting shed her maiden tag in no uncertain terms in the Lisronagh Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.
Edward O'Grady 's seven-year-old mare travelled all over her rivals on the long approach to two out and headed A Nod To Getaway just before it.
She tanked towards the last and increased her lead before cruising home on the short run-in to prevail by six lengths at 9/2. Robindevidastar plugged on for second at 11/2 and was a length and a-half in front of A Nod To Getaway (11/2).
Always Enchanting got off the mark at the 14th time of asking.
McDonagh said: "To be fair to Edward and all the team, they have her fully fit and in testing ground like this they need to be hardened fit. She has had plenty of recent runs and has stepped forward with every run.
"She settled better the last day in Punchestown and today I kept hold of her for as long as I could. This was a weak enough contest, so was a great chance for her to get a win to her name.Â
"Everything fell her way today and everything now depends on what hike she gets.
"I have five winners from 20 rides for Edward this year and he has been very good to me. You won't get better advice in this game and while he teaches me plenty, does it without being in my ear."
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
