Owner McCurtin is on Top

Love On Top got off the mark over timber when running out a good winner of the opening mares maiden hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon.

Ambrose McCurtin, who owns the winner, produced his mount to dispute entering the straight and she went on after the second last from Good As Gold

10/3 joint-favourite Lilly Of The Moor came through to give chase from the last but the John Joe Walsh-trained mare kept on well to record a length-and-three-quarters victory.

The winner was making it third time lucky over hurdles, having been placed third at Limerick last time and also at Ballinrobe back in June. She was adding to a bumper success at Ballinrobe in May.

“She’ll go handicapping now,” said Walsh afterwards.

“Ambrose said she wanted that two-and-a-half miles but she might get further. She’s a very well-bred mare and has a great pedigree.”

The other 10/3 joint-favourite Theatre Bird came under pressure before the straight but stayed on late to finish third.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)