Scott Lang and Luke McAteer © Photo Healy Racing
The 1m5f handicap for horses rated 47-70 went to Scott Lang (13/2) who was winning for the first time on career start number eight.
Placed three times for Adrian Murray and now under the care of Paul Flynn, the grey slotted in on the rail behind the leaders. He was angled out to challenge early in the straight, led two furlongs out and was quickly ridden clear before staying on well to beat Derrinlaur by a length and a half. Female Approach came from well back to take third with Rodney Bay completing the placings.
The winner, fitted with headgear for the first time, showed the benefit of a run on the all-weather in February.
Winning rider Luke McAteer said: "I only travelled okay around and got a nice lead. In behind horses, he wasn't really travelling but I just kicked him into the gap just to see what would happen and he picked up nicely. He put it to bed well.
"I'd say my granny was watching over me today, she passed away last night so it was nice to get that.
"It's his first run for Paul (Flynn) and I've had a lot of luck for Paul, he's been very good to me especially here as well. Whenever he tells you one is ready, he is never too far wrong!
"It is nice to get on the board and get the new season off to a roll hopefully."
Quotes from Michael Graham
