The Denis Leahy-trained Unklipped defied top-weight, as she easily accounted for her 12 rivals in the Ballagh Mares Handicap Hurdle.

A shock 200/1 winner at Kilbeggan in June of 2023, the six-year-old was subsequently out of action for almost a year.

Not beaten far when fifth at Limerick recently, the 98-rated victor was sent off a 13/2 chance today.

Given a patient ride by Sean Flanagan, she made smooth progress approaching the straight and travelled strongly to lead after two out.

Readily increasing her advantage on the run-in, the Heather Buckle-owned brown ultimately eased to a six and a half length success.

John Ryan 's Love Like This (18/1) filled the runner-up spot, while Petit Dejeuner (12/1 from 25s) was another three and a quarter lengths back in third.

Returned the 7/2 favourite, Shane Ryder's Destivelle finished fourth.

"She probably isn't the most straightforward but ran a lovely race 10 days ago and we thought she stepped forward from it," Leahy commented.

"Heather rang me the other day and asked would she come over, so I said 'do' but it put me under pressure! Heather is from Ipswich, is the owner/breeder and has plenty of the family. She has most of her horses with Neil King in England but boards her mares in Ballincurrig House Stud and we've done a lot of breaking for her so get to keep the odd one.

"This mare's future is over fences and while she had been tricky to get right, the ground suited today. This could be her last run before coming back over fences next summer."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Raceday Stewards fined P.J. Rothwell trainer, €65 for failing to fit the declared cheekpieces to Ar Nos Na Gaoithe prior to entering the parade ring.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes