A winner of his previous start over 2m3f at Clonmel, Flicker Of Hope had no problem in staying a further five furlongs in the Discover Wexford Handicap Hurdle.

Aidan Kelly took his time on the 7/2 joint-favourite and got a good run down the inner into the straight. After hitting the front at the last, the French-bred five-year-old stayed on well to account for Mahler Appeal by two lengths.

Mark Fahey, who trains the winner for Swords Bloodstock Limited, said: "He was good again, going up from two-and-a-half mile to three miles.

“He barely got there again and he's a nice horse to look forward to. We'll keep him going as he's probably a summer horse, he's probably not good enough to run over the winter. 

“We'll just try and pick a race with a bit of ease over the summer.”

Quotes from Gary Carson