The 2/1 favourite Sheila was in the front rank throughout in the Thorn Plant Hire Handicap and kicked away from her rivals early in the straight. Swiss Army Officer gave chase from over a furlong out but never looked like getting to Joey Sheridan’s blinkered mount and was a length and a half adrift in second at the line.

The winning daughter of Australia, whose only previous victory had been at Chelmsford a year ago, had gone close in first-time blinkers at Gowran last weekend and was able to race off the same mark of 67 before a 3lb hike kicks in.

Winning trainer Denis Hogan said: "We have been hitting the crossbar the last few days and I said coming down today that the chances were we'd finish second, so that's great.

“Joey (Sheridan) gave her a lovely ride. She was second in Gowran last Saturday over a mile and one-and-a-half furlongs where she just got collared late on.

“Over a mile from a good draw today she had to go forward and Joey did everything textbook.

“It's great to get a winner for the Hennellys who have been great supporters of mine down through the years, more so over jumps.

“Robert bought this one during the summer, she was recommended to me by Matt Hall of Tattersalls. I'm delighted she's done the job for us.”

Quotes from Gary Carson