Derek O'Connor rider of Se Mo Laoch© Photo Healy Racing
The ultra-consistent Se Mo Laoch recorded his first win over fences, as he got the better of Snugsborough Hall in the K Club Handicap Chase.
Successful over flights at Kilbeggan in September, the Brian McMahon trained seven-year-old filled the runner-up spot on his two starts since.
Sent off the 9/4 favourite this afternoon, the chestnut victor was settled behind the leaders by Derek O'Connor and took closer order from five out.
He was pushed along to challenge Snugsborough Hall approaching the second last, and kept on best under pressure on the run-in to beat that rival by a length and three parts.
The Liam Cusack trained runner-up was returned at 9/1 under Denis O'Regan, while handicap debutant Cresus De Grissay (9/1) was another three and a half lengths back in third.
"He was due it. He's been placed a lot over fences and has been ultra consistent," said McMahon.
"I said to Derek that it looked like he needed a trip and he said he really picked up going to the last.
"He ran off 92 in Leopardstown last March and ran off 107 today. It was probably trainer error that he got beat off 92, he wasn't straight enough to be truthful.
"I thought it might be difficult off this mark but he's won well enough. The step up to three-and-a-quarter miles has probably helped him.
"Eoin (Mahon) has been riding him all along and he's gone point-to-pointing today. Thankfully he had a winner in the open at Borris House so hopefully he'll show up for work tomorrow!
"Derek is a once in a generation rider. You don't have to tell him anything just hand him the reins.
"I'm based in Spancil Hill I rent a yard off Noel Glynn. I'm a bio-chemist, I do that nine to five. I feed them in the morning before work and ride them out in the evening.
"It's a mad dash these days with the light fading. I've six or seven riding out and Eoin and myself get through them.
"Even if he hadn't won today I love it and it's all worth it."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
