Lily Light Foot © Photo Healy Racing
Lily Light Foot (6/1) landed the Hurley Family Handicap Hurdle to give jockey Kieren Buckley a first winer in Ireland.
Buckley rode 31 winners in the UK where he was mainly based with Nigel Hawke. He relocated to Ireland at the start of the new jumps season and is based with Gavin Cromwell.
It was a second winner missed by jockey Mark McDonagh who was stood down after a fall at Downpatrick on Wednesday after Paddy O'Hanlon had deputised for him on Swelltime in the third race.
Due to the low-lying sun, the final hurdle was omitted and Buckley sent the daughter of Leading Light for home after jumping what would normally be the second-last. It's a long way from there to the line at Kilbeggan but the six-year-old saw out the trip really well to beat Killinure Lass by six and a half lengths.
Placed in three of her previous five starts, this was a first win for Lily Light Foot who is trained by Eddie and Patrick Harty.
Eddie Harty said: “She was a long time running well without getting her head in front. She did it well and kept on strongly in front.
“She was second in this race last year. I’m delighted for Bobby Guiry who is not in the best of health and that will cheer him up. He bred some great horses like Fifty Dollars More.
“Getting that win was the main thing so we will take a deep breath and see what we want to do. Kieren gave her a lovely ride.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
