Luckynumberslevin and Roger Loughran winning the three-mile handicap hurdle© Photo Healy Racing
Frances Slevin saddled her first winner as Luckynumberslevin made most to land the Greville Arms Hotel Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.
The ten-year-old daughter of Old Vic looked set for a convincing victory early in the straight but Roger Loughran needed to keep the 8/1 chance right up to her work in the closing stages of this three-mile stamina test. Augher Castle stayed on well to get within half a length, with fellow 9/2 joint favourite another two and a half lengths back in third.
First reserve Grey Brief was all the rage beforehand but those who supported him from 25/1 right down to 8/1 soon knew their fate and he was pulled up after four out.
Ms Slevin, who has just two in training under rules at present from her base at Rathmolyon near Enfield, trains the mare for her father Camillus.
Loughran said, "She liked the ground (changed after the previous race to yielding to soft) and handled the track.
"She was getting a bit lonely out in front and looked around her a bit in the straight but kept on well."
