Chica Linda and Gavin Ryan approach the winning post© Photo Healy Racing
Chica Linda made virtually all under Gavin Ryan in the Hop House 13 Handicap over an extended mile and a-quarter in Sligo.
The Highland Reel filly, in first-time cheekpieces, went on from her rivals inside the final quarter of a mile and moved clear approaching the final furlong.
She needed the lengths she took out of the field as Spinning Web and Katonah threw down their challenges in the closing stages.
The 9/1 shot had enough in the tank to score by a length from 3/1 favourite Spinning Web. Katonah (9/2) finished in third, beaten a length and a-half by the winner.
Trainer Mark Fahey said: "The horses are going great. Gavin got off this filly at Naas (sixth) and said she was travelling away sweet, a few horses came around her and she just stopped. He said then that she's definitely one for cheekpieces and he was right.
"She was drawn wide today and he gave her a super ride to get her out, get her across, steady it up when he had to and kick when he had to. He deserves great credit for that ride.
"Tramore might be next for her. The lads are from that area and Tramore is their Cheltenham, that's where they'd like to go."
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
