Drive On Locky made all the running, under Brian O'Connell, to take the 2m5f handicap hurdle at Tramore.

The 9/2 shot stayed on strongly in the closing stages to land the spoils, by two-and-a-half lengths, for trainer Philip Fenton.

Count Salazar sent off the 9/4 favourite, tried to give chase from the second last but couldn't make an impression on the winner and eventually lost the runner-up spot to Kilmainham

Drive On Locky was gaining his first career success at the eighteenth attempt.

“He's been a long time trying and at last he's got his head in front,” said Fenton.

“He did it the hard way and it's an overdue success. If he got in again tomorrow he'd probably run but he's third reserve.”

(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)