The Alan Fleming-trained Katie Cruel battled gamely to open her account in the six furlong maiden at Naas this afternoon.

The Myboycharlie filly had just been touched off on her debut over course and distance last November and went one better on her return.

Chris Hayes had the 7/1 shot prominent throughout and she hit the front with a furlong-and-a-half to run.

7/2 favourite Hence threw down a strong challenge inside the final furlong but Katie Cruel stuck her head out in the closing stages to record a half length success.

“Chris was happy with her and thinks she's quite nice,” said Fleming.

“There's still a bit of improvement to come, he reckons, and she'll come on a good bit from the run.

“I'm not sure where she'll go now. She is for sale and if she's not sold obviously we'll have to go again.

“If we do go again it'll be in a black-type race somewhere to add a bit of value. We do think quite a bit of her at home and she's done it there today.

“A big thanks to Sonny Farrell who rides her everyday. He's the main man and it's down to him.”