Carrig Rock asserted close home after a good tussle with Ginnets Girl in the John Thomas McNamara Series Maiden Hurdle at Sligo.

The pair had disputed from the third last in the two-and-a-half mile contest for amateur riders and there was nothing between the pair as they got down to business turning for home.

It was the Peter Croke-trained gelding who found a bit more in the closing stages, for Brian Lawless, to secure a two-and-a-half length success.

The 4/6 winner was gaining a deserved success having been placed four times over hurdles, most recently when third at Gowran at the start of the month.

Lawless said:- "He jumped absolutely super and travelled brilliant. In fairness he toughed it out the whole way to the line as well.

"He won a five-year-old maiden point-to-point very easy and he has probably bumped into one or two in maiden hurdles, but he was due his win.

"Peter eyed up this race after Gowran and it worked out well.

"He'll be a nice horse to go over fences with because jumping is his big asset."

(Quotes by Mark Nunan)