Udogo (far side) beats Mallory Heights© Photo Healy Racing
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Udogo grabbed victory in the dying strides of the first division of the Wexford Handicap. Mallory Heights kicked for home entering the straight in the 1m3f contest and looked booked for victory when going a couple of lengths clear before the furlong pole.
Ana O'Brien got a good tune from Udogo in the closing stages, however, and the 9/2 shot pounced near the post for a head victory.
The Lucky Story gelding had finished runner-up on his last two outings and was stepping up to 1m3f for the first time today.
"He is a tough little horse and he has been running well so I'm delighted he got there today. He stays well so I knew he would keep at it," said the winning rider.
It was a double on the card for the trainer with son Joseph riding Los Barbados to victory in the earlier maiden.
The big gamble of the race, Lifting Me Higher finished third having been backed from 10/1 in the morning into 3/1 favourite.
(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)
