Nothing Lucky about Reilly's first winner

James Reilly partnered his first winner as Luckyinmilan returned to form in the Donnelly Providers Ratoath Handicap Hurdle in Fairyhouse.

The 24-year-old Carberry amateur had the Milan gelding up with the pace throughout alongside Draycott Place and, when the latter dropped away early in the straight, it was Corri Lindo that threw down a strong challenge.

However Oliver McKiernan’s 10/1 chance stayed on best on the run-in to prevail by three quarters of a length, with the pair drawing 14 lengths clear of Definite Earl in third.

Luckyinmilan has been lightly-raced since winning three handicap hurdles over 2m4f plus early in 2016.

McKiernan said, “I’m a bit surprised as he’s not a two-mile horse but the ground suited him. He’s just a staying horse and we said we’d let him bowl along. I thought they had gone too quick in front but he kept at it well.

“It’s great for James as that’s his first winner and he works for us. He gave him a grand ride. He’s a lazy horse at home and he wouldn’t light any fires under you with his work.

“He’ll probably go for another hurdle and he has the option to go back over fences.”