Champion apprentice Shane Crosse got the leg-up for the first time on Merited and she shed her maiden tag at the 14th attempt in the BetVictor Handicap at Ballinrobe.

Owned and bred by Peter Newell and trained by Sneezy Foster, Merited (4/1) was always on the case of pace-setter Greenpanda and she headed her at the two pole.

Merited could never shake off Greenpanda though, and the latter battled back gamely inside the last.

A head eventually split them at the line with four lengths back to the third placer Bruinneall

"She was entitled to that. She travels well but she is not the easiest as she likes to do things her way. In a small field she can get her way," said Mrs Foster.

"She was bit tricky in the stalls and I thought 'oh no here we go' but he was able to rectify that once he got out. I'm delighted with her, she is a tough old bird.

"I'm delighted for the owners who have been big supporters of mine from the word go and it's so important for them to get a winner.

"Peter Newell sadly isn't here today, he is under the weather at the minute but he is a lovely owner and he loves his racing."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Jewel Maker trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Joshadam (GB), trained by Mark Michael McNiff, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

At the request of the Stewards, K.J. Leonard, rider of Joshadam (GB), trained by Mark Michael McNiff, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost his action near the road crossing about two furlongs from the finish. .

(DM & EM)