Ringhill Lady and Conor Orr with Nicole McKenna© Photo Healy Racing
25/1 shot Ringhill Lady got on top close home to land the spoils in the first division of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick, having got into the race as third reserve. Natural Breeze took them along in the two-mile-five contest and after shaking off the attentions of Klickity Klopp jumping the last he was tackled by James Lambe's charge on the run-in.
Despite running around slightly in the closing stages the Stowaway mare found plenty to put her head in front close home for Conor Orr and record a length-and-a-half success.
The winner, rated 80, had made little impression on her last outing at Down Royal on St Patrick's Day. She had been fourth, albeit beaten a long way, in a maiden hurdle at 'the Maze' in December 2019.
Orr said: "All James pretty much said was to ride her with loads of confidence down the rail and ride her for a bit of luck.
"They went a good gallop early and the gaps opened when I wanted them. I probably even hit the front too early.
"Yes (she enjoyed the ground) and blinkers are a big help to her. They make her concentrate a bit more.
"She has got a win now and you never know what it can do for them."
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
