Paidi's Passion (inside) and Gladiatorial jump the last together © Photo Healy Racing
Paidi's Passion provided Jordan Gainford with his third success since returning from injury, as she claimed the Randox Handicap Hurdle.
The Co Wexford pilot registered a double at Kilbeggan on Friday evening, his first day back after four months on the side-lines.
A winner at Ballinrobe last season and second on her penultimate start at Roscommon, the David Christie trained victor was sent off an 11/2 chance (from 7s) in the colours of owner/breeder Sean Duke.
Settled in mid-division, the Ocovango bay stumbled between flights two and three, improving to take closer order on the approach to the third last flight.
In a share of the lead before the next, she was ridden to the front away from the last and needed to be kept up to her work all the way to the line, ultimately seeing off the effort of Gladiatorial (15/2 from 16s) by a length-and-a-quarter.
There was another four-lengths back to Moneynabane (20/1) in third, while The Grey Monty and Joshua Chamberlain who were the 7/2 joint-favourites, were fourth and fifth respectively.
"She ran a great race in Roscommon over a trip that was far too short, all she does is gallop and stay," Christie said.
"That's about her optimum trip especially with the hill.
"After Roscommon, we discovered that she had a big cyst on her ovary and we had to get that sorted out.
"She seemed well and I felt she would run a good race, but maybe wasn't just good enough. When I saw her at the bottom of the hill, I thought it would take a good one to pass her because she really stays, so I'm delighted."
STEWARDS REPORTS
K.C. Sexton, rider of Glendars Mahler trained by James Andrew Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
J.C. Gainford, rider of Paidi's Passion, trained by D.M. Christie, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stumbled coming off the road crossing.
Ms.M.Flynn, trainer of Porky Rush reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge was lame post race.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
