Keith Donoghue, Evies Vladimir and owner Jonathan O'Grady© Photo Healy Racing
Having shown very little prior to today, the easy-to-back Evies Vladimir just got the better of Kings Halo in the Prior Park Service Station Clonmel Handicap Chase.
Completely tailed off on his most recent start in June of last year and given an initial mark of 88, the Gavin Cromwell-trained six-year-old was as short as 4/1 in early shows for this two-and-a-half mile contest, eventually going off a 15/2 chance.
Making his debut in handicap company this afternoon, the Shirocco chestnut was given a patient ride by Keith Donoghue, pecking on landing at the fifth.
Taking closer order from four out, he made good progress to challenge on the inner approaching the second last and gained a marginal lead on the run to the final fence.
A slow jump there gave another chance to Kings Halo and after a tussle on the run-in, just a neck separated them at the line.
The runner-up was returned the 2/1 favourite under Danny Mullins for James Dullea, while Barbaha Queen (13/2) was all of 20-lengths back in third.
Still in with every chance, Go Battle blundered and unseated Darragh O'Keeffe two fences from home.
Owner Jonathan O'Grady, who kissed the winner in the parade ring, reported "I'm from Kildorrery - Ruby Walsh (senior) country, and am steeped in point-to-points. Myself and my son are hugely enthusiastic and I've been in horses with Syndicates Racing with Jack Cantillon - who has been absolutely super, and with Pimlico Racing.
"I've learned from those and took a foray into owning myself. This is the first horse using my own colours and to win first time in Ireland is really hard. It's a risk and a gamble to own a horse but when you have days like this it is absolutely brilliant.
"Gavin has done a fantastic job as the horse had issues but he had him spot on."
Keith Donoghue added: "It is tough going out there and it was a good performance. Going to the last I thought I would win easy enough and let him pop it and lost all momentum. Thankfully he got going again though.
"I was stuck in a pocket coming down the hill but once I got after him, he picked up well. He handles that ground and in that grade, hopefully he can do it again. The lads are delighted so it is brilliant."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Aodhan May trained by C.Byrnes, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
