Runner-up in a similar contest at Sligo last month, Air Drop #160;(4/1) went one place better in the Hovis (Premier Bakeries) Mares' Maiden Hurdle.

The daughter of Al Namix, trained by Gordon Elliott for Mr M Fennessy Jnr, was prominent throughout and went on after the third-last. After fluent leaps at the last two flights, she stayed on well to account for  Dame Rapide by three-and-a-half lengths.

Assistant trainer Lisa O'Neill said: "She was very good.

"I suppose she is not the easiest on herself, she gets quite worked up. She actually wore a hood down to the start today and Jack took her down a little bit earlier. She was a muck of sweat leaving but she was a bit more settled in the race today.

"Jack was really happy with her and she has really built upon what we saw of her the last day. Hopefully she can go on to do a little bit more.

"She was (in charge) and she has jumped well on the whole. She is learning all the time so I am sure she can go on and build from this again."

Quotes from Michael Graham