The Willie McCreery trained Valbucca gained a long overdue maiden win (her 18th start) at Navan today, helping jockey Wayne Lordan to complete a double on the day, in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Handicap.

Lordan, successful on Lake Louise earlier, moved the daughter of Val Royal to a challenging position a furlong out before staying on well to record a two and a quarter lengths win over Jeremy's Girl

McCreery later stated “Valbucca loves that ground and while it has taken a long time to win one, she has been very consistent and has only been out of the placings once or twice. She deserves that and it's a nice pot.

“She was bought as a companion for Kanes Pass by her owner Betty Cosgrove, who has been very loyal and patient.”

Wayne feels that she enjoys that ground too much to go to Dundalk so that could be it for the year although you never know, we might pop her over hurdles.”

On course reporting by Alan Magee.