Speckled Wood and Mark Walsh clear the 5th fence © Photo Healy Racing
Speckled Wood got off the mark over fences when running out a game winner of the mares beginners chase at Wexford.
Christy Roche's charge, a daughter of High Chaparral and top racemare Like-A-Butterfly, had been unfortunate when brought down last time at Clonmel but avoided any drama today.
Mark Walsh sent the 2/1 favourite to the front four home but she was strongly pressed by Leish Oscar going to the final fence.
There was nothing between the pair on the run-in but Speckled Wood found more close home for a half length success.
“That was grand and she jumped away grand,”said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
“She's a great little jumper and it's nice to get that out of the way after she was a bit unfortunate at Clonmel.
“I'd say she'll go handicapping now.”
(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)
