< Venitien De Mai had to pull out all the stops to justify 2-5 favouritism in the Student Raceday 15th & 16th April Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.

Jim Dreaper's six-year-old had been costly to follow but had performed with credit in better races, although Andrew Lynch had to sit lower in the saddle heading down the back straight.

He progressed to lead turning in and had enough in reserve to repel the late thrust of the rallying Positive Approach by a neck.< Why Not Thistle has bumped into some smart opponents since going over obstacles and the class drop for the 19 Euro Punters Pack Mares Maiden Hurdle was duly noted as she was sent off the 5-2 joint-favourite.

Davy Russell was content to let the race unfold ahead of him until unleashing his mount between the final couple of flights, and she quickened impressively to inflict a two-and-three-quarter-length defeat on Vole Au Vent

Russell doubled up when On Fiddlers Green broke through in the Book Online At www.limerickraces.ie (C & G) Maiden Hurdle.

The 2-1 shot was allowed an uncontested lead and wasn't too severely pressed to see off Shake It Up by five and a half lengths, with odds-on favourite The Gatechecker a disappointing third.< Occidental Lady hadn't shown much at all in maiden company but stepped out of it to spring a 20-1 surprise in the Limerick Family Fun Day 29th March Handicap Hurdle.

Top-weight Kindly Vinnie appeared to have matters in hand but was sloppy at the last, allowing Occidental Lady to come through for a two-length success.< Vinciaettis (4-5 favourite) gave Charlie Swan his first winner with a restricted licence in the 59 Euro Hospitality Packages At Limerick Racecourse (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race, while Change The Rules (22-1) fended off the strong finish of Mr Shankley in the Follow Limerick Racecourse On Twitter Handicap Hurdle.< Kate Appleby Shoes was Willie Mullins' only runner on the card and she obliged in the Racing Again At Limerick Tomorrow (Ladies) Mares INH Flat Race.