Martin Lynch got a timely boost ahead of Oscar Time's Grand National bid when Maple Lady sprang a 40/1 shock in the concluding bumper at Cork this evening.
The Westmeath handler has not visited the winners' enclosure since his stable star landed the Paddy Power Chase back in December 2009.
The return to victory came in good style as the Saddlers' Hall mare left previous form well behind.
She travelled smoothly into the straight, under Lynch's son Mark, and hit the front with a furlong-and-a-half to run. Ballyhoura tried hard to peg her back, but eventually went under by a length-and-a-quarter.
It was a first success 'under rules' for 20-year-old Mark Lynch, who works for Liam Burke. He had partnered a winner in point-to-points back in 2009.
"It's tremendous to give him his first winner," said a proud father afterwards.
"She's a very well bred mare and I think she is very good. She had a very good run first time but probably hit the front too soon and tired. She got leg trouble then.
"She ran in atrocious ground at Navan last time and was too free but we knew she would come on from that run.
"I've no plans at the moment. She's related to the likes of Cane Brake Judge Roy Bean and Bob Hall."
