Civena battles gamely for O'Neill

Civena responded gamely on the run-in to open her account over fences in the beginners chase at Fairyhouse.

The John Berry-trained mare had been prominent throughout but looked booked for second in the closing stages.

Talbot Road who was sent off the 4/6 favourite for the 2m5f event, appeared all set to collect when coming to lead at the second last.

Adam O'Neill got a good tune from Civena on the run-in, despite losing his stick at the last, and she got back up to post a half length success at odds of 16/1.

“She likes this places and the weight maybe told with Talbot Road. She was getting a stone and it made the difference,” said Berry.

“Getting a bit of black-type with her will be the main thing, before she goes breeding. We'll stick her in one of the mares races and hope for the best.”