Former course and distance winner Ramiro returned to form with a strong late charge under James Ryan, securing victory in the Kelleher Feeds & Agri Suppliers Ballymullen, Tralee Handicap at Listowel.
An eight-year-old who won at this track for Ian O'Connor back in 2020, Ramiro had two victories for Brian Ellison during his time in Britain before being acquired by his current connections.
Now trained by Hilary McLoughlin, the gelding had been showing signs of a return to form with a couple of encouraging performances in recent outings.
Settled in mid-division by Ryan, the 8/1 shot made his move to take the lead over Dragon Of Malta a furlong from home, finishing strongly to win by three-quarters of a length.
Martin Ferris, McLoughlin's partner, commented: "He was unlucky in Galway, and while he had several entries since, the ground wasn't right, so we waited. The rain came today, and it made all the difference. The Castle Racing syndicate is made up of the same lads who got me started in pony racing, and this is their first racehorse. Philip Enright, who sourced him, along with Daithi Keane and Aidan McCarthy, are all from Dunmanway and bought Ramiro for a bit of fun. I began riding for these guys in pony racing, and I didn’t ride for anyone else. Winning for them today is fantastic."