The Philip Fenton-trained Carrolls Cottage stayed on stoutly in the closing stages to justify his short price at Limerick this afternoon.

Brian Hayes had his mount handy throughout in the two-mile-three maiden hurdle and he disputed up the back-straight with Hardwired

The 5/6 shot went on turning for home and was always doing enough to hold the challenge of Wasdale Park by seven lengths.

Carrolls Cottage had won a point-to-point in Dromahane in October before finishing second on his 'track' debut in a Cork maiden hurdle last month.

"I was pleased to see the other horse (Willie Mullins' overnight favoruite Rambranlt'jac) come out but I think he has some sort of future,” said Fenton.

"We are not going to go any place fancy with him for the time being and we'll see what sort of rating he gets for those rated novices or he could go for a winners' of one.

"Jumping fences down the road will suit him too.

"He is owned by Mike Neville who is locally based in Castleconnell."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)