Trevana and Keith Donoghue pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Peter Flood recorded his second winner of the month at Ballinrobe, as Trevena got up in the closing stages to land the Portwest Handicap Hurdle.
Twice successful on the level in 2018 when trained in the UK by Ed Walker, the daughter of Camelot finished second on her debut for Flood at Downpatrick earlier this month.
Sent off at 8/1 this evening, the bay seven-year-old was settled towards rear by Keith Donoghue. She was pushed along after a sloppy jump three out, but soon made headway on the inner and jumped the last in fourth.
She came with her effort between horses inside the final 200 yards and kept on best to lead close home, with half-a-length the margin of victory. Peace Party (13/2) ran on well down the outer, but couldn't match the winner and had to settle for second under Eoin Walsh for Des McDonogh. Nazine (9/1), who led with 100 yards to race, tired close home and eventually finished third, while Look Dont Touch (12/1) was just a head back in fourth. Our Dylan was the 11/2 favourite and he finished seventh.
Flood, who struck with Tullypole Annie at Ballinrobe on May 3rd, said: "She just didn't travel. They went a good gallop and she probably wants a bit further.
"Keith gave her a great ride but Barry Browne, who missed our winner here the last day (Tullypole Annie) was unfortunate to miss this one as well due to suspension. But in fairness to Barry, he told us to put the cheekpieces on her today. Keith is a good help to us and rides a lot of work on our point-to-pointers.
"She came on a lot from the last day and she might go to Wexford in two weeks' time. I think she'll jump a fence as well.
"She had a bit of leg trouble in the past and was off for a year before we got her.
"We had a few point-to-pointers run well at the weekend too so I'm delighted with how the horses are running at the moment."
STEWARDS REPORTS
J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Galon De Vauzelle (FR), trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount slipped up independently on the first bend.
The Stewards fined D.M. Christie, trainer, E65 for fitting a tongue tie to Ask The Leader which had not been declared under Rule 194, prior to entering the parade ring. The Stewards ordered it's removal.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
