Rose's Emma battled back well to get up on the line in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Novice Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.
Mark Walsh 's mount tracked the leaders but just lost a few lengths when untidy at the second last.
Switched to the outside she found another gear coming to the last and fought it out with Donoughmore on the run-in, prevailing close home by a head.
"She had to work hard. The pacemaker gave her a good lead and I'd say that helped," said trainer Francis Flood.
"That's the first winner out of the mare, who was a pretty useful sort. She has bred a lot of animals but none of them any good.
"We'll try and have a go at another one. It looked an ordinary contest and it's just good to get a win with her.
"We might give her a run on the Flat later on, around somewhere like Downpatrick."
