A rousing finish between the three protagonists in the flat jockeys championship saw Johnny Murtagh just force Zanara home in front in the 1m4f maiden at Clonmel.
The Meath rider, whose appeal against the two-day suspension which threatens to derail his title challenge is heard tomorrow, required every ounce of strength to get the filly home by a neck from Michael Kinane's mount Leopard Spot.
Ballerine (Pat Smullen) was just a short-head behind in third after a battle which thrilled the large crowd, the trio pulling ten lengths clear of their rivals.
Murtagh thus reduced Smullen's lead in the table to two, and had added cause for celebration with the news that he had secured his first ride in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup on German challenger Caitano.
Permit-holder Frank Oakes, father of Curragh trainer Irene, saddled his first winner in over thirteen years when Lucky Me sprang a 25/1 shock in Div. 2 of the 0-50 handicap.
'I gave up training to work at Woodpark Stud, and this is only a hobby for me now,' said the delighted handler, who has just two in is care.'
'This horse came to me from England, and I thought he'd nearly win today as although he finished last at Gowran he ran away with my daughter Wendy there.'
