Elm Grove, right, conquers California Lad© Photo Healy Racing
Elm Grove on her first start for Madeleine Tylicki, picked up a good pot in the featured Win Big With Tote Handicap at Ballinrobe with a storming finish.
The six-year-old mare had been last seen finishing in mid-division of the Irish Lincoln in March for Willie McCreery.
In this extended nine-furlong race, California Lad and Elm Grove swept past a tiring Dawn Hoofer in the final 150 yards and battled their way to the line.
It was Elm Grove who was strongest at the finish in winning by a neck for Billy Lee.
She didn't go unbacked at 14/1 having opened at 18/1.
California Lad was a 20/1 chance and he was six lengths in front of 5/2 joint favourite Dawn Hoofer.
"She's all heart and soul and she's all go," Madeleine Tylicki said.
"Obviously she's only joined our yard a few months ago and we've changed a few things with her.
"A change of scenery has been good for her - it was interesting to find out where we were at with her.
"Billy knows her inside out and he gave her a fantastic ride. We're absolutely over the moon with the way she battled on.
"She ran twice over hurdles and we'll see if we go back at that. I'll talk to John and Ita (Malone, winning owners).
"I really appreciate the filly being with us - she's a great one to have in the yard.
"She appreciated the ground - it was perfect. Billy said it rides yielding and I was delighted with every shower that came.
"We were thinking about waiting for another bit but it's all worked out now.
"I'll have a think about next week (Galway). I'll talk to the guys and see how she is in the morning and make a plan."
This was Elm Grove's sixth career victory.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
