Nymphhall and Philip Donovan lead over the last © Photo Healy Racing
The second division of the three mile (80-102) handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan saw the patiently-ridden Nymphhall (11/2, backed from 12/1 on the show) run out a decisive winner.
Slowly away, the Oscar mare gradually picked off rivals under Philip Donovan and led approaching the last. Paddy Wickla looked held when coming down at that final flight, leaving the Evens favourite Fill The Tank to finish runner-up, eight lengths behind the winner.
The 6-year-old was a well-beaten fifth in a beginners’ chase at Downpatrick on Saturday, but showed no ill-effects as she made a winning start in handicap hurdles off a mark of 88.
Winning trainer John Ryan said: “She’s well-bred, out of a half-sister to the dam of Latest Exhibition. She’s a big weak mare.
“I brought her to Downpatrick only two days ago and was just trying to give her confidence over fences — getting her to breathe and settle.
“She came out of that race really well and I decided to run her. She’s a chaser and it’s great to get a hurdle win out of her.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
