Colm O'Donoghue got it just right as Via Del Corso held on to land the spoils in the nine-furlong handicap at Ballinrobe.

O'Donoghue had sent the 8/1shot into the lead with over half a mile to run and kicked for home rounding the top bend.

David Kelly 's charge started to tread water in the closing stages, however, and was all out at the line. Painted Fingers finished to good effect inside the final furlong and just failed by a neck to peg back the winner while Curl Cat also came with a strong run on the rail and was just another neck back in third.

The winner had been well tried without winning before today and had been claimed for €5,000 by Kelly from a Sligo claimer a week ago.

"A lot of people said I was mad when I claimed her this day last week," said the Ballygar trainer.

"I'm delighted as that's my first Flat winner. I bought her to go hurdling but she'll do both.

"I entered her for this when I saw the opportunity. Colm gave her a great ride. I've nothing immediate planned."

(On course reporting by Thomas Weekes)