On her nineteenth career start, Black Rock Lake (6/1) finally got her head in front, in the opening race on the card at Kilbeggan this evening, the Athlone Maiden Hurdle, avoiding the carnage three out to score easily.

The well fancied 6/4 favourite Medj fell three flights from home when in front bringing down both Burma Rock & Rusty Halo in the process. All three were still in contention at the time.

Black Rock Lake under David Casey was then left in the lead from there and galloped on well to win convincingly by thirteen lengths from Miss Nomer at 12/1 back in second with the newcomer Nishay a further neck back in third.

The winner was still on the bridle three out and it was too early to know what would have happened had the others stayed standing.

Winning trainer Tom McCourt said afterwards: "Things had to go right sometime!

"He (David Casey) hadn't gone for her yet (at three out). She galloped on well and it was nice that it was made easier.

"She might go for a two and a quarter mile handicap hurdle at Galway next. Up the hill might suit her. She loves that type of track, she likes Sligo as well."

Donal Murphy