There were strong shades of Johnny Suku s win (25/1) in the 6.00 when Kindly Vinnie took the second, also at a 'pony,' the June 17th At Sligo Mares Maiden Hurdle under Andrew Thornton.

Like Johnny Suku, Kindly Vinnie also began her career in point-to-points. She also had a first-time 'aid' fitted on this occasion, in her case the tongue-tie was deployed.

Both were also tackling hurdles for the first time and Thornton like Barry Cash in the opener, was always to the fore on Kindly Vinnie.

Thornton got a couple of lovely leaps from Kindly Vinnie over the last two and she kept on well on the run-in to beat Pennys Tune by three lengths.

Winning trainer, Robert Brabazon (last on the mark with The Snuffler at Downpatrick in 2011) said: "I was quite confident coming here. She was a bit disappointing in the big bumper at Punchestown but this was more to her liking and she got the run of the race."

Unfortunately Definite Elegance was badly injured at the fourth last here.

Miss Elizabeth Doyle, trainer of Cacheofgold reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge made a respiratory noise in running.

(AM & EM)