West Clare and Richie Deegan © Photo Healy Racing
Runner-up at Galway last time, the Brian McMahon trained West Clare recorded a first career success when staying on well close home to take the Guinness Handicap Hurdle at Listowel.
The former point-to-point second, who appeared to appreciate the step up in trip last time, needed the extra yardage here as he led over the last before going on to win by one-and-a-half lengths.
Pushed along entering the home straight, Deegan switched West Clare to deliver a challenge on the stands side at the final flight.
Heading both Hees Dynamite and the staying on Grandda George, the 9/2 chance kept on nicely to land a comfortable success.
Brian McMahon said: "He didn't come down the hill at Galway and while he flew home, took too long to get rolling. We probably left a few quid behind us that day but it doesn't matter now.
"He is a seven-year-old but is getting sharper and the penny is starting to drop with him. He is a nice actioned horse so I was worried about the ground and hopefully he will go on from here.
"His owner Tomas O'Doherty owns the Own Pride Pub in west Clare so we'll be stopping there on the way home!"
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
