First time cheekpieces worked the oracle on Littlefoot as he just prevailed in the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle.

Trained by Mark Molloy, the successful Milan six-year-old was a beaten favourite at Wexford and Galway last season, failing to make a significant impact in two previous starts this campaign.

Upped in trip this evening, the 106-rated bay raced in third under Liam McKenna, improving into second three flights from the finish.

Pushed along to challenge on the inner approaching the last, he soon joined leader Arctic Gale and after a protracted tussle on the run-in, there was just a nose between them at the line.

Odds-on in early shows, the runner-up drifted and was returned the 11/8 favourite under Donagh Meyler for Emmet Mullins.

The front pair were two-and-a-half lengths in front of Field Of Thistles (13/8) in third.

"On his bumper form you would have hoped that he'd have got his head in front before now, but he picked up a very nasty injury to his hoof at Gowran Park (last September) and it was touch and go whether he was going to come back," Molloy, who trains the winner for the Littlefoot Partnership, revealed.

"We nursed him back and confidence is a big thing for a horse. He's just coming to himself now and loves a battle. I'm just delighted that he's done it here. He jumped brilliantly and we know that he has an engine.

"We'll probably look for a handicap and see where he finds his level. He's not over-big but was second in a point-to-point, so there's no reason why he wouldn't jump a fence in time.

"Liam comes into me and is just a gent. He rides horses the way I like it, so it works well.

"He belongs to some great friends and characters, three of them are based in America, and is a fun horse for the syndicate who have a great bond with each other."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages involving Arctic Gale, ridden by D. Meyler, placed second, and Littlefoot, ridden by L.A. McKenna, placed first, where it appeared there was slight contact between the two. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

D. Meyler, rider of Arctic Gale, trained by Emmet Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got carried off his line and unbalanced.

L.A. McKenna, rider of Littlefoot, trained by M.A.Molloy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount leaned out for company.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan