Misty Lady just leads Lilshane (centre)© Photo Healy Racing
Lilshane overcame an eight-month break to deny Misty Lady a repeat victory in the 80-95 rated two-mile handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Misty Lane won this 12 months ago and looked set to follow up when asserting after the penultimate flight.
However John Cullen's mount struggled under pressure on the run-in and the 4/1 favourite was collared close home by the 20/1 shot.
Jonathan Moore 's mount came home strongly to eventually score by a length and a half. Rebel Cry was a further six and a half lengths adrift in third, with first reserve Thepartysover completing the placings in fourth.
Winning trainer Thomas O'Connor said, "That was well-timed. I thought he was a bit short but he wasn't.
"A chaser is what he is and he's been schooled over fences already. We'll see what he does over hurdles and he'll go chasing then.
"He needs soft ground so if he doesn't go chasing before the summer he'll wait to next season.
"In his third last race he pulled muscles in his back and needed treatment. The first time he pulled up he was a bit sore and we treated him again but it still hadn't gone.
"Since he's been back we've schooled him over hurdles and fences and his back has been A-one so hopefully it stays that way while the ground is soft."
The Listowel handler added, "It's a while since we've been in the winners enclosure. I've one at home that's better than him so we're hopeful with him."
(GC & AM)
