Glenconkeyne scores under Derek Fox© Photo Healy Racing
Glenconkeyne stayed on strongly on the run-in to land the spoils in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Galway.
The Noel Kelly-trained gelding settled behind the leaders in the 2m2f event but looked under pressure as he was driven along before the second last.
Derek Fox stuck at his mount, however, and he stayed on to take closer order at the final flight.
The 16/1 shot threw down his challenge on the run-in and got up in the closing stages for a half-length success over Green Thirty Two
The winner had been sent off favourite for a selling hurdle over in Uttoxeter on his last start but could only finish a well beaten second.
“I was hoping for a bit more rain but the ground was still testing enough,” said Kelly, who was tasting success at the Festival for the first time.
“I think he'll improve over further.”
Hold Em Cowboy was sent off the 11/4 favourite but could make no impression in seventh.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
