The Trigger completed a hat-trick of wins as he took the second divide of the Newcastle West Handicap Hurdle.

The Ronan McNally trained eleven-year-old had been placed three times in the early part of this year before getting his head in front over fences at Tipperary on July 1st.

He since followed-up over flights at Kilbeggan last week and was expected to prevail again this evening, going to post the 85/40 favourite.

Settled in mid-division by Sean Flanagan, he was hampered by a loose horse at the second, but recovered quickly.

He made headway to take closer order from four out and was pushed along to lead approaching the last, keeping on well from there to score by eight lengths.

Reserve Mick Mixy (28/1) ran a fine race to take second under amateur Thomas Geoghegan for Paul Flynn, while Spanish Leather (16/1) was another eight lengths back in third. Scotsman's Bay unseated at the second last when still in contention.

The Trigger is owned and trained by Ronan McNally from his Co. Armagh base.