Mangan strikes on Never

Champion conditional Paddy Mangan got off the mark for the new season when guiding I Never Knew That to victory in the second division of the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle.

Adrian McGuinness applied blinkers for the first time on the Anshan mare and they seemed to have the desired effect.

The 12/1 shot hit the front three from home and kept on well in the closing stages when asked for an effort.

Well-backed 7/2 favourite Our Girl Lucy (from 7/1 in morning) emerged to chase her home but never looked like pegging her back, going down by a length-and-three-quarters.

The winner had shown some promise on her handicap debut at Thurles after being well beaten on her previous starts.

"It wasn't as brilliant race but she ran well at Thurles the last day when the ground was a shade too quick," said McGuinness.

"She's a real stayer and I was a little bit afraid that the track would be too sharp but Paddy gave her a great ride and stuck to the inner.

"If she pulls out alright she'll go to Kilbeggan on Friday. It's a big boost for her owner Joe Kenny, who is going into hospital for treatment."

(GC & TW)