Well-backed Painter another for Hogan Denis Hogan recorded his second winner in as many days (on the mark with Eiri Na Casca at Ballinrobe yesterday), as the well-backed My Painter got up close home to land the Awards And Gifts Claiming Race. Placed on her last two starts, the daughter of Jeremy was available at 9/4 last night, but opened on-course at just 6/4, before going off the clear 5/4 favourite. Settled behind the leaders by Seamie Heffernan, the five-year-old victor was switched to the outer with over a furlong to race, and she was soon ridden to challenge. She kept on best inside the final furlong, and swept to the front close home, going on to score by half a length. Matriarch (10's last night and from 6's to 9/2 on-course) had to settle for second under Declan McDonogh for Eddie Lynam, while Nutini was a neck back in third with Killian Leonard in the saddle for trainer Madeleine Tylicki. "She's a filly that myself and Denis thought would have no trouble winning. She's won now but it's taken a while," said Heffernan. "I had to keep waiting on her. She's an odd ride. When I'm sitting taking her back she's going forward. It's great to win on her." After the race Master Vega, who finished ninth, was claimed by Catherine Smyth from Mullingar for E5,000. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
