Mick Winters, successful with Missunited in the bumper at Punchestown yesterday, was again on the mark with another mare when A Little Swifter took the opening Cahir Mares Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon.

However the 7/1 chance had some fortune on her side as Meitheamh was stalking her and appeared to to be travelling best when coming down two out.

This left Declan Bates' mount clear, and she galloped away to good effect to hold the staying on 5/2 favourite Taraval by two and three quarter lengths. Days Of Glory (11/1) was third.

The victory was a memorable one for Charleville owner/breeder Deirdre Connolly as this is her first horse in training, and Winters said, “She'll make a great chase mare as she's a good jumper. If the owner gets a fair offer though she's willing to part with her.” (AM)