Snow Patch belied her status as the outsider of the four runners when winning the opening Happy Christmas To All Our Patrons Nursery Handicap (Plus 10 Race) at Dundalk.

Darren Bunyan and Killian Leonard combined with the only non-winner in the line-up, and the 8/1 chance made all for a three parts of a length victory from the other filly, Boragh Steps

"If ever a little filly was entitled to a win this one is," said Bunyan.

"She's been so out of luck on her last few runs. Even the last night she was just beaten on the last bob of the head.

"She's not over-big but she doesn't half make up for it with determination and strength.

"I'm delighted for the syndicate as this is their first year with horses and that's their first winner tonight. There are a great bunch and lads and women involved in it.

"Unfortunately they weren't here tonight but I'm sure they'll enjoy it just the same. There is a mix of people between Ireland and England.

"Killian said this filly isn't overly in love with this surface but by the time things came right for her at the end of the year we had nowhere else to go.

"We might just mind her for the grass now. I think she's earned a break. It would have been a shame to put her away without getting a win as she had genuine excuses.

"Killian is great value for the 5lb and he's a great little rider. He did everything to a tee.

"She's a tough filly. I didn't want her running from too far out of the handicap and that's why we took the claim off her.

"She's all speed and she's a filly they're going to have plenty of fun with next year if she's not sold in the meantime."

(GC & EM)