Trishknowsbest opened her account at the ninth attempt under rules when benefitting from a canny ride by Keith Donoghue to take the M B McGrady & Co Accountants Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.

Donoghue smuggled the Patrick Griffin-trained mare up the inner to challenge at the final flight and she soon hit the front.

The five-year-old daughter of Malinas needed to dig deep on the uphill climb to hold off fellow 7/1 shot Darkest Hour by three-quarters of a length with Mater Matuta a further four and a half lengths back in third.

The Cheltenham Festival winning rider is on the crest of a wave at present having partnered a treble at Sligo on Wednesday and this win was all the more special as she’s owned by his father.

Donoghue said, "It means a bit more alright and my mum is here today.

"She had showed in maiden hurdles when she was fifth or sixth (that she could win a race). She was always running her race and we knew someday it would come right for her.

"She settled well and I was able to get into it without using her up.

"I took the gap on the inside going to the last and I probably ended up committing too soon, but I kind of had to take it. Thankfully she held on."

Quotes by Michael Graham