Trainer Michelle Gannon has overcome much adversity in recent times and gained a deserving third career winner when her Knockmehill Lady won the Home Of Ladbrokes Irish Grand National Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse today.

Ridden by capable 5lbs claimer Rob Jones (riding his tenth winner of the season), the daughter of Rudimentary was patiently ridden before being produced with her challenge from two out. The winner moved to the front at the last before battling well to recorda three parts of a length win over Korean

Afterwards Johnstown, Co Kilkenny based Gannon said “that’s brilliant, I’m delighted! My first winner was five years ago today but I had a bad accident, in a fall from a horse, about two years ago and it’s amazing I’m still here - I nearly died and was in intensive care for four and a half weeks.

“They originally thought I would be paralysed but I got great support from my mother and husband and today’s win is my third. All my wins have been with mares - I seem to get on well with the mares!

“I was hoping to get my jockey’s license back and am still determined to get it back. I have just two horses in training but have a public gallop which trainers like Enda Bolger, Edward O’Grady and Philip Fenton use.”