Shuil Na Tra and Philip Donovan © Photo Healy Racing
Shuil Na Tra sprang a 25/1 shock for Norman Lee in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Sligo when left in the lead by the exit of stablemate But What About Me at the last.
The Malinas gelding was held up in the three-mile-one contest, where quite a few ran freely towards the head of affairs.
Philip Donovan took closer order on his mount over the third last and he was driven along to dispute at the final flight where he was left with the advantage.
The six-year-old kept on strongly in the closing stages to post an eight-length success over Broken Ice
Shuil Na Tra was making his third handicap start having been completely tailed off and pulled up in the other two.
Donovan said: "I rode him in a maiden hurdle in the spring and thought he was a nice, progressive type of horse that was just a little bit backwards, mentally.
"Fair play to Norman, he's brought him back from two well-below standard runs and had him right here. He said he was working well at home
"He told me to ride him cold and do my best. He took me everywhere I wanted and I figured I had Robbie (Geoghegan, on But What About Me) cooked going to the last.
"The owner Robert Hodgins is a next-door neighbour of mine and is a really good friend of my dad's. These colours have been carried to victory by some good horses and I'm delighted to ride a winner for him."
(Quotes by Mark Nunan)
