Young Liam Quinlan had shown his talent on three time point-to-point winner Dimple in the latter stages of 2016, and today he got off the mark on the racecourse proper aboard Nun's Cross (14/1) in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Mares) INH Flat Race at Clonmel.

Edward O'Grady 's Kalanisi filly, a homebred first time out half-sister to the prolific scorer, The Real Article, was noted moving well early in the straight. Nicat's Benefit (7s into 5s) came in for market support and she provided most resistance for Nun's Cross but half a length split them at the line.

O'Grady disclosed: "She's a well bred mare and is a half-sister to the The Real Article. She showed a nice turn of foot on the ground. We haven't had many runners so it's hard to gauge (how good she is).

"She may go for a mares' winners bumper but won't go hurdling until next season."

Quinlan (17) is a brother to jockeys Roger and Sean. He has six winners to his name at this stage 'between the flags.' Many will remember Roger riding General Montcalm to a couple of nice wins for O'Grady in the past.

(AM & EM)