Dunphy Off Mark with Lus Na Hoiche
Lus Na Hoiche s only previous win was achieved for Michelle Gannon and by winning the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Coranna Handicap the daughter of Fath put another lady trainer up in lights, this time Sharon Dunphy achieving the notable breakthrough of registering a first winner.
Star apprentice Gary Carroll was cool on this 9/1 shot (from 10s), getting on top close home without resorting to the persuader to beat the favourite, Gudnis Gracious Me by a head.
Co. Laois-based Dunphy said of the Galway-owned winner: "I've been training since mid-May and that's my first winner. I've had four runners and I'm looking for more horses.
"Between point-to-points and the track I've ridden five winners. This mare doesn't like being hit behind the saddle so I told Gary to ride her hands and heels. She jumps well and she'll do that in the autumn.
"She is entered in a mile six at Wexford on Friday and if she comes out of this race as well as she usually does she'll go there. I think the name means light of the night in English. The first time cheek-pieces were a slight help and she has been very consistent."