Run For Mary© Photo Healy Racing
The money came for Run For Mary on course (10/3 into 9/4 fav) and her supporters were on good terms with themselves as she moved up travelling strongly to lead two furlongs out in the concluding Horse & Jockey maiden over two miles.
She saw the trip out well under Billy Lee to defeat Caer (4/1) and Happy Jacky (12/1) by an emphatic seven and a half lengths and half a length.
The ground description had been changed to soft before the second-last race and this mare’s wins under National Hunt rules had been on better ground, but the going was clearly no inconvenience to her.
"She deserved that off her handicap mark and getting the mares' allowance, said winning trainer Charles Byrnes (fifth winner from his last twelve runners).
"On ratings she looked to have a big chance and she is a grand one for the staying handicaps next year.
"She won't go back hurdling as she didn't take to it and I'd say she'll get a break now.
We'll then tip away in handicaps and see where it takes us."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
