An Mhi © Photo Healy Racing
Sent off the 4/7 favourite, An Mhi completed a four-timer when making all in the Killultagh Estates Rated Hurdle.
Keith Donoghue deputised for Jack Kennedy who was stood down after a fall at Kilbeggan yesterday and also missed out on opening race winner Gaye Winnie like An Mhi trained by Gordon Elliott.
Despite just reaching for the last, the market leader kept up his momentum and stayed on well to beat Annexation by two-and-three-quarter lengths.
Assistant trainer Lisa O'Neill said: "Yes, he did (use his stamina) - it was a well-judged ride by Keith and he decided when he got down to the start that he was going to kick out and make it.
"He was always in a nice rhythm and he stretched them from a good way out.
"It is great for the new partnership, obviously it was Pioneer Racing before and they are still involved.
"There's no doubt about that (a horse with a future in Ireland), he showed he is very capable over longer distances and over a shorter distance today. He is a real nice horse for the future because you see the size and scope of him, he will make a fence look small."
Quotes from Michael Graham
