Theo (nearest) and Neddyvaughan (inside) jump the last together© Photo Healy Racing
Theo recorded his second win of the year, as he got the better of Neddyvaughan in the Book Winter Festival Tickets Online At fairyhouse.ie Handicap Hurdle.
The Shane Donohoe trained six-year-old was successful at Down Royal on St Patrick's Day, and he was placed on his next three starts.
His last two efforts were disappointing, and returning from a break today he was sent off a 10/1 chance with Ricky Doyle in the saddle.
Settled in mid-division, he took closer order on the inner from the fourth last flight. He jumped the second last in a close-up fourth and was soon ridden to challenge the leader Neddyvaughan.
He got the better of that rival in the closing stages, and was ridden out to score by a length.
The aforementioned Neddyvaughan had to settle for second under Jody McGarvey for Christy Roche at 11/2, while Maighnealta was four lengths back in third under Ben Dalton for Des McDonogh at 12/1. Broughtons Star (10/1) completed the placings a length back in fourth, with Cian Collins in the saddle for Gordon Elliott, while the 5/1 favourite See Me Here was eighth under Donagh Meyler for Denis Cullen.
Donohoe said afterwards: "He has been a little bit frustrating and had a few issues but seems to have got the better of them.
"He's a grand little horse at that level and will probably jump a fence. He's very honest and genuine.
"We'll probably stay hurdling with him for a while as he's only six. He doesn't take a whole lot of racing.
"I'm delighted to get it. Today was important as we had a few pound on him."
STEWARDS REPORT
D. Meyler, rider of See Me Here (USA) trained by Denis W. Cullen, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was lame on pulling up.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
