Billy's Angel and Conor McNamara jump the last© Photo Healy Racing
The Junction Handicap Hurdle went to 66/1 chance Billy’s Angel continuing a fine run of form for jockey Conor McNamara. This was the 5lb claimer’s fourth win in his last nine rides and, in a race where the pace steadied before halfway, he had his mount handy before sending him to the front four flights from home.
In the straight a couple looked to be going well in his slipstream, but the Vertical Speed gelding found plenty to win by two and a quarter lengths form Rock On Seamie with Fight For Love in third.
The 3/1 favourite Automatic finished ninth.
A bumper winner early in his career at Ballinrobe, the winner had landed a handicap hurdle at Clonmel last year but had been off the track since an unplaced run last Christmas at Down Royal.
Winning trainer Adrian Murray said: "He always runs well fresh but we were a little bit worried about the ground. Easy, flat tracks suit him and while I have nothing in mind for him next, he could eventually go back over fences.
"That is Conor's first ride for me and he gave the horse a great ride."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
