Aeval ground down Lightening Sky in the Poolcourt Handicap Hurdle to give owner John Kearney a welcome winner.
Kevin Coleman sent the mare up to challenge two from home but she had to battle to get on top, asserting on the run-in for a neck success.
"I'm delighted for the owner who has had his share of misfortune and bad luck with horses. He was due a day," said trainer Stephen Ryan.
"She was second three times over fences and is 14lb better off over hurdles so I wanted to win a hurdle with her and then go back over fences. I might try another one of those now."
