The John Nallen trained, Davy Russell ridden Minella Lady got up close home to deny Champagne Agent in the corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle.

The lightly raced 8yo daughter of Definite Article was sent off at 13/2 today after finishing just a head and neck third to Music On D Waters and Some Fiddle at Kilbeggan last time out.

Having raced in mid-division for much of the contest she was ridden into fourth before the straight and went in pursuit of the Willie Mullins trained Champagne Agent (6/1) from the second last.

She kept on best from there to catch Champagne Agent in the closing stages and win by a neck at the line.

The even money favourite, Reafadda finished a disappointing sixteen lengths back in third for trainer John Ryan with Pa King aboard.

John Lenihan, first cousin to the winning trainer, said afterwards: "John (winning trainer John Nallen) has a function at the hotel (Hotel Minella in Clonmel) today so he can't be here.

"She is a homebred and they will be glad to breed with her in the future."

(On-course reporting by Thomas Weekes)