Classic Escape pops the last© Photo Healy Racing
Classic Escape was a the decisive winner of the FBD Opportunity Handicap Hurdle in Ballinrobe under Shane Mulcahy.
The six-year-old gelding was always prominent and hit the front after the third last.
He was full of running before the last and thundered home in the final furlong to score by 12 lengths at 7/1.
9/2 joint favourites Oskar High and Global Racing came in second and third respectively with Captain Doran fourth at 22/1.
"It's a pity it wasn't in Limerick [25s into 4s there when 5th last time] but it's good to get off the mark for the season and Shane carried out the instructions to the letter," handler Denis Hogan said.
"That's the way I should have ridden him in Limerick as he just keeps galloping.
"Shane works hard and hopefully he'll have a good season as he's improving the whole time.
"The horse will probably go to Downpatrick on Friday if he's okay in the morning.
"Shane claimed four there but he'll be able to use his full seven at Downpatrick."
The Stewards enquired into an incident on the bend past the stands involving Merry At Heart ridden by D.J. McInerney, unplaced and Railway Muice ridden by C.A. Landers, unplaced, where it appeared that Merry At Heart was impeded and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by C.A. Landers riding carelessly, this being a breach of Rule 214. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended C.A. Landers for one race day.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
