Zabana jumps the last just in front of Empire Of Dirt© Photo Healy Racing
Zabana added to the Grade 2 gains of Mala Beach at Gowran on Thursday for owner Chris Jones and rider Robbie Colgan when landing the Tote Super Trifecta Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Not seen since the Galway Festival in July, Andy Lynch's Halling gelding was sent off a 16/1 shot for this two and a half miler but that price and absence were no barrier to him gaining a two length success from Empire Of Dirt Bothair Clei (8s into 11/2) finished eight lengths off them in third whilst the favourite Band Of Blood could do no better than ninth. Another 'money horse,' Sammy Black finished last.
Andy Lynch divulged: "He was only a shell of a horse last summer and we gave him a break.
"He was a bit like the handle of a brush but he's a different horse since he came back in.
"He's a big strong horse now. That'll bring him on a good bit.
"I'll have a chat with the owner and we'll find something for him. He'll go chasing next season." (AM & EM)
