Michael Hogan brought his gelding Mountain Heather up from Toomevara in Tipperary to land the two mile two furlong handicap hurdle under Andrew McNamara who made all to win by five-and-a-half lengths from Ringfort

The winner was returned at 7/1 and was the subject of morning support in the betting shops which saw her price shorten from 14/1 to 8/1.

Trainer Hogan confirmed that the horse was expected to run well. He said: "She had a setback last year with different injuries, but we fancied her today. She needs good to firm ground.

"I'll look to win another hurdle with her but then she should go chasing around Christmas."