A change to more positive tactics worked a treat for All The Best Mate who recorded a shock 25/1 victory in the two and a half miles mares handicap hurdle.
Eddie O'Connell 's mount made most of the running and had her 20 rivals well strung out turning into the straight.
She was all of ten lengths clear approaching the last, and kept on well to beat the fast-finishing Young Milly (also a 25/1 chance) by two and a half lengths with High Notes (16/1) another six lengths adrift in third and Monart Lantern (16/1) fourth.
The winner, who is out of a half-sister to triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate, paid a massive €60.60 on the Tote.
Winning trainer Eoin Griffin said: “She's always worked well at home but has continually disappointed us. We fitted blinkers today and adopted different tactics. She rolled along nicely for Eddie, and won snugly enough. Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on her.”
“Her jumping is really her strong point, and we intend going over fences in the not too distant future. The owner Maurice Sheehy has been very patient as he paid alot for her as a foal, and has had to take a lot of things on the chin,” added Griffin.
Alan Magee
