The progressive Kimbay recorded her fifth career victory when running out a convincing winner of the five-furlong handicap at Tipperary this evening.

Rory Cleary 's mount was prominent in the centre in the early stages and was disputing when the field came across to join Prince Connoisseur and Zaindera on the stand's side.

Noel Lawlor 's filly was a definite leader passing the furlong pole and kept on well in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-quarter margin over Zaindera.

The 5/1 winner had been fourth in a competitive Curragh contest recently on her return to action. She had won four times towards the end of last year having been rated 49 at the start of the season.

"She's tough, as game as anything, and is better over five (furlongs) than six," said Lawlor.

"Rory breezed her the other day and told me she'd win today - all the credit goes to him and Derek McCormack who ride the horses out every morning and without them I wouldn't be here!

"I'll think about the Rockingham if she keeps improving and while she's not the biggest, has the heart of a lion and is gutsy and game."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)