Nolan & O'Keeffe strike with Mrs Milner

Mrs Milner fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time, battled gamely to beat Jazzaway in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle.

A winner on her third start at Thurles last November, the successful daughter of Flemensfirth failed to make a significant impact on next two outings, but was last seen finishing second to Larquebuse at Leopardstown in March.

Trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by fellow Wexford man Sean O'Keeffe, the bay six-year-old was sent off a 14/1 chance.

Settled behind the leaders on the inner, she took closer order from the second last and soon came with her challenge on the outer.

Ridden on the run-in, she then had a tussle with Jazzaway, getting the better of that rival in the closing stages, going on to prevail by half a length.

Jazzaway (10/1) had to settle for second under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins, while Millyinthemiddle (5/1) and Upgraded (11/2) were third and fourth respectively. Dinard Rose was sent off the 9/2 favourite (from 12s in early shows), but she ran no sort of race and came home last of those that finished.

Nolan, who trains the winner of Manverton Limited, said afterwards: "I was worried would she get home up the hill but all she did was stay.

"She'll get further and riding her handy seems to suit. She'll go chasing sooner rather than later."

O'Keeffe added: "She was very good. I know her well, I won a maiden hurdle on her in the early part of winter.

"In fairness she has improved a bit after a break, she has grew into herself more and she has stepped up again.

"I knew she would stay well. The good gallop and stiff track suited her. In fairness to her from the back of the last all she did was try for me, she kept picking up.

"Stepping up to two and a half would suit her. She is improving and is a nice mare."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Dinard Rose, trained by Noel Meade, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes