Sean Flanagan came in for a winning spare ride on Azua Emery as she took the opener at Fairyhouse this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Davy Russell was declared to ride the Gordon Elliott trained victor, but he gave up his four rides this afternoon due to being unwell.

Placed on four of her five previous starts in Ireland, Azua Emery was sent off the 2/1 favourite today in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud.

Settled behind the leaders in third, the daughter of Califet improved to dispute the running from three out, and travelled best to lead after the next.

She was then pushed out on the run-in to see off Mysloegin (10/3) by three and three parts of a length.

Rachael Blackmore was aboard the runner-up for Jimmy Finn, while Little Princess (4/1) was another four and a half lengths back in third under Robbie Power for Jessica Harrington.

The winning rider said afterwards: "She jumped great and travelled great. She probably appreciated the little bit nicer ground."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson