Barry Lydon and JJ Slevin pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
The well-backed Barry Lydon registered his first win since his debut success at Punchestown last summer, as he readily accounted for his rivals in the Bective Stud Tea Rooms & Apartments Mullacurry Cup Handicap Hurdle.
Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time and sent off an 8/1 chance (from 16s early), the Dermot McLoughlin-trained chestnut was always towards the head of affairs under JJ Slevin.
Not fluent and pushed along in second away from three out, the Fidelma Toole-owned victor disputed the lead from the next.
Gaining a narrow lead on the approach to the last, the 121-rated six-year-old was ridden clear on the run-in and came home four-lengths to the good.
After attempting to make all, Crooked Tannie (16/1) finished second under Jordan Gainford for Cian Collins, while Mister Beeton (9/1) was half-a-length away in third.
Returned the 5/1 favourite, Mount Sinai never got involved and finished a disappointing 13th.
Just eight flights were jumped in this 15-runner affair, with the two hurdles down the back omitted due to the low lying sun.
"I just tried the cheekpieces on him, he got into a bit of trouble in Galway and things didn't go well for him there," McLoughlin reflected.
"We just said to put the cheekpieces on him, maybe just to put a bit of confidence in him and sharpen him up a bit.
"JJ said he was a different horse there and stayed galloping. Jumped and travelled and he said he enjoyed himself.
"I would say he would go on a bit of softer ground too, he wouldn't be tied down to good ground.
"A nice pot to pick up at one of my local tracks."
STEWARDS REPORT
Owing to low-lying sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdles four and five to be omitted from this race.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
