James O'Sullivan and Dorans River in full flow© Photo Healy Racing
Philip Rothwell was full of pride in Dorans River who won the second split of Kilbeggan's opportunity handicap hurdle.
James O'Sullivan made headway on him before 4 out and the duo moved through to lead before the last.
They were strong on the run-in to score by three and three-quarter lengths at 8/1. Emily In Paris was headed before the last and had no answers in second at 12/1. Hard Target (8/1) was the same distance away in third.
“I'm thrilled, he's a lovely old horse,” said Rothwell.
“We gave him a break when I got him as he had a few little things. I get a great amount of pleasure out of seeing an old horse like that running well.
“Native Jack won the cross-country in Cheltenham for me when he was 12 and he went back at 14, having not run for a year, and was second.
“It's lovely to see an old horse like that sound and enjoying being in a race.
“He's been running really well, we sort of let him improve himself. He was third the last day and I thought he ran a cracker, it's great to see him winning.
“We'll run him away on summer ground and he might get retired come the winter.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
