Molly Wedger handled the testing conditions better than expected when staying on best to win the Bryan MacMahon Handicap Hurdle at Listowel.

A dual winner on good ground last summer, the mare was unproven on ground this soft but adapted well to take the spoils.

Third at Killarney on her most recent start, she had indicated that her turn was close. The Dermot O'Brien trained runner moved easily into contention out of the back straight and challenged long time leader Cahirdown Boy on the run to the last.

Although getting on top at that stage, a mistake by the latter horse made her job that bit easier. Now that she has shown she can handle an ease, there should be plenty opportunities over the coming months.

There were great scenes in the winner's enclosure post race. Trainer Dermot O'Brien said; "The 12-member syndicate are all local to Dungarvan and are very happy!

"She ran a very good race the last day in Killarney and we thought she was coming back to form but the ground wasn't ideal, although it was loose. She is tough and stays going.

"She was second in Galway last year so we might go back there.

"I'm a dairy farmer, I've two in training and the other one (Moresby Buoy) was second first-time out in Tramore on Friday night."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes