Second at Gowran nearly three weeks back Molly Kaye went a place better in the Leugh Handicap Hurdle at Thurles this afternoon.

Rachael Blackmore took the reins for the first time on the Garry Fleming-owned and Shane Duffy-trained Multiplex mare.

Duffy’s father, former Bohemians soccer player, Paddy (80), is Molly Kaye’s regular work rider, and she was here adding to a couple of Flat wins.

On this occasion she got there near the finish to touch off 66/1 shot Island Mahee by a neck.

"She is gamey out and battled it out to the line. She's not big but is very tough and got a good jump at the last which helped,” reported Blackmore.

"I'd never ridden her before and that was also my first ride for Shane; fair play to him as he was confident coming here and he was spot on."

G.A. Kingston, trainer of King Con (FR), reported to the I.H.R.B. Veterinary Officer that his charge was found to have blood at both nostrils post race.

(TW & EM)