Seven year old mare Kopon (22/1 - 14s) got off the mark from hurdling's basement rating of 80 today, landing Gowran's concluding entegro.ie Handicap Hurdle for trainer Gearoid O'Loughlin, jockey Charlie O'Dwyer and owner Dominic Jones.

Previously unplaced and sporting first-time cheekpieces, the daughter of Doyen got her act together in today's 20-runner race, defeating runner-up Ardera Ru by 4.75 lengths.

Trainer O’Loughlin has won an Ulster National along with races at Listed and Grade B standard but today's success was his first since July 2021. Afterwards he said “she had a nice run in a chase down in Killarney that suggested she might win a race.

“We didn’t know whether she would handle the ground or not but I’d say it’s loose enough. She has her mark confirmed over fences so she’ll pick up a chase along the way.”

“I’m delighted to train a winner for Dominic. He’s really enjoyed it and is a great character.”

Quotes from Alan Magee