Gregorina cut down front-running Dolce Far Niente to make the breakthrough at the 19th time of asking in the Bay Leaf Handicap over the extended nine-furlongs at Ballinrobe.

In truth, Dolce Far Niente did little wrong in her attempt to make all. She was still toughing it out for Gary Carroll into the straight, but Gregorina had her in her sights.

Adam Caffrey improved her into second 150 yards down and she took aim and passed the leader in the final stride to strike by a neck.

The winner was returned at 12/1 from the 11/2 runner-up while favourite backers were out of luck with third-placed Solar Drive

Ado McGuinness said: "She's run very consistent, once or twice a bit in-and-out.

"Jamie Powell rode her in Leopardstown the last day and she came home really well. We were making it with her, but he said it might be best to drop her in a little bit.

"We'd no option but to drop her in tonight because she was drawn so wide, so I told Adam to ride for luck and see what happens. It worked out and, fair play to the young lad, he gave her a great ride.

"I'd say there's another day in her somewhere along the line. She's a great fun filly and the boys (Mark Devlin, Philip Smith and Nigel O'Hare) only gave four grand for her, so she was a very cheap filly."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan