Abbey Magic got on top in the closing stages to claim the spoils in the opening maiden hurdle at Tramore this afternoon. Slemish cut out the running in the two mile contest and opened up a healthy lead at halfway. He came back to the field as Abbey Magic and Henry Howard closed going to the second last.

A sloppy jump two out by the leader let Abbey Magic in with a chance and John Berry's charge was also quicker over the last.

She hit the front on the run-in, under Mikey Fogarty, and kept on well for a length-and-three-quarters success. Henry Howard was a further four lengths back in third.

The 8/1 winner had been fourth on her last visit to the course in August.

“She jumps and gallops and will make a nice chaser,” said Berry.

“She's big and backward so we will tip away over hurdles this season. Hopefully she can pick up some more prize-money, and then go over fences next year."

The complexion of the race changed after the first when 11/4 favourite Figurative was pulled up quickly by Bryan Cooper.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)