Diyla makes the breakthrough at Ballinrobe

On her fourteenth effort at her local track, Diyla finally got on the scoresheet, the Sligo specialist delighting her Ballinrobe trainer and owner Michael Flannery and Tim Kelly in the www.thetote.com Handicap Hurdle.

Barry Cash and Diyla looked vulnerable to Bonifacio after two out but the Aga Khan-bred mare pulled out plenty from before the last to see off that rival by four lengths.

Diyla returned to a rapturous reception prompting Flannery to say: "She has worn a path around here and it is powerful that she's finally won for the local owner. I'm delighted and she deserved it. I didn't know about the ground for her and I thought the other horse (Bonifacio) was ready to whizz by. In fairness to her though she kept plugging away."

Favourite Fiery Lord fell at the fourth last. Ruby Walsh was unscathed but unfortunately the half brother to Kicking King suffered a very serious injury.