Ain't That A Shame dug deep on the run-in to land the spoils in the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park this afternoon.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding was making his first start since pulling up in the Troytown at Navan in November.
He went to post a 14/1 shot this afternoon and travelled well to challenge turning for home in the three-mile-one contest.
Rachael Blackmore 's mount grabbed a narrow lead at the third last but long-time leader Glengouly rallied to join him over the last fence.
Ain't That A Shame wasn't to be denied though and started to assert in the closing stages for a two-and-a-half length success in the Robcour colours. Angels Dawn stuck on to take third place.
"Our other horses were shorter in the betting today but Rachael stuck with Ain't That A Shame which I thought was a brave move,” said de Bromhead.
“She really believed in him and I'd say Davey Roche (assistant trainer) had a lot to do with that as well.
"I was saying last week 'will we be calling you Wrong Choice Rach' but she didn't find that very funny! Anyway she was absolutely spot on and fair play to her.
"He had a good run on nicer ground at Leopardstown last year although did seem to stop at Aintree. Even today we were coming here a bit grey and weren't sure, even though he seemed great at home.
"He also seemed great at home before pulling up in the Troytown Chase and the stewards have just asked me for the reason for his improvement in form, but we genuinely we didn't know (at Navan) and were very disappointed. I supposed they are allowed to have a bad day though."
He added:- "It was great to have dad (Harry) here the first day we won this race (in 2017) as it was the 25th year since he won the race and it is great to have mum here now. It is brilliant to get it for Robcour and it was some ride from Rachael.
"We all come out of hibernation at this time of year and it really is a race that stops a county and is great for the south east."
Paddy Power and Betfair made the winner a 33/1 shot for the Grand National.
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