Deeply crowned a memorable 18/1 double for John Oxx and Johnny Murtagh when gamely capturing the #45,000 Guinness Gold Cup at Tralee yesterday.
Galway Hurdle hero Ansar was sent off a warm 6/4 favourite for the 1m6f feature but was struggling some way from home and Murtagh was quick to seize his chance, opening up a healthy advantage before the turn-in.
Veronica Cooper came out of the pack to throw down a challenge inside the final furlong, but drifted right under pressure and eventually went down by 1 1/2 lengths.
'She did that well, and could go for a Listed race now,' said assistant trainer Jim 'Slim' O'Neill, adding that soft ground is no hindrance to the improving filly.
The Meath jockey was earlier seen at his strongest when forcing Egyptian up close home in the EBF Maiden to spark off the brace.
Bounce Back appeared to have poached a race-winning advantage at the furlong pole, but Murtagh refused to concede defeat and drove his partner to the front near the line.
Boley Lass brought up her hat-trick with a game effort in the Kelliher Group EBF Fillies Handicap, just holding the late surge of favourite Zaraglen.
