Deo Bellator and Neil Gault © Photo Healy Racing
The second split of the 80-95 handicap hurdle went to the Michael Millar-trained 12/1 chance Deo Bellator who registered her first success at the age of eight.
Ridden by her owner, 7lb-claiming amateur Neil Gault, the daughter of Getaway led travelling well before the second-last and two good jumps in the straight sealed victory as she saw off the challenge of Inforapenny by five and a half lengths.
The winner had been second in a Downpatrick bumper last year and had been third in a Sligo handicap in July, her only placed effort from nine previous starts over hurdles.
Gault said: "I've seven point-to-point winners ridden, have had seconds on the track but that's my first winner.
"She has been fairly consistent - she was a wee bit disappointing the last day out but got hurt the time before that at Downpatrick and we missed getting work into her.
"I'm from Ballymena, own the mare and assist Michael (Millar) in her training. It was a very nice feeling passing the line and we'll keep poking at these races whenever we get in."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
