Lep Around overcame some slow early leaps before proving the well-backed winner of Cork's O'Flynn Motors Mallow (Mares) Maiden Hurdle today, scoring for trainer Marie Harding and John Shinnock.

Carrying 11st in the 11 runner race, Lep Around was backed from 11/1 yesterday, from 11/2 this morning and returned the strong 11/4 second-favourite, behind 9/4 favourite and early leader Jokers 'n' Clowns

The Jet Away-sired winner had a look around at the opening hurdles but improved to lead entering the home straight, eventually battling well to beat faster-finishing Cast A Spell by 3.75 lengths

Shinnock commented “she had a good look going down over the first few and pricked her ears at them which wouldn't be like her and I wasn't ready for it. She also hung out left and I would be much happier on a left-handed track but when it came to a push and shove, she was good and gamey at the end.

“I was keen for it not to turn into a sprint and thankfully it worked out. She needed that after finishing second on her last las three starts and she does jump well.”