Tory Hill Lad the oldest horse in the race by three years, made most of the running to take the Ladies Day at Kilbeggan Handicap Hurdle for trainer Hannah Lee & jockey Shay Barry.
The 12yo son of Good Thyne, was recording his fourth career win here, his last coming over the course way back in June of 2008 when he was just an 9yo.
He has ran some good races since that win, finishing second at 100/1 at the Galway Festival last year in a chase and second, again at Kilbeggan on his next start in a three mile hurdle.
Always close up, he took up the running approaching the fifth flight and stayed on well under pressure from before the last to score by two lengths at the line from Excellent As Usual at 8/1 back in second. What An Article ran well to take third at 14/1, a further half a length back, while the 5/1 favourite Kalico Kim just missed out on a place back in fourth.
Kevin Foy, assistant to winning trainer Hannah Lee, said afterwards: "That wasn't a surprise at all. He won here before and was second in a hurdle here last year.
"He is in good form and is very ground dependent.
"It's off to Galway with him now for a race on the Tuesday or the Friday. He will be entered for a conditions race on the Tuesday and the Galway Blazers on the Friday, but we would be a bit worried he might not get into that."
Donal Murphy
