A peck two out by Ach Aye Surely helped supporters of 2/7 chance, Celtic Strand to breath easier, the Celtic Swing gelding then going away to beat that rival by eight lengths in the www.limerickraces.ie Maiden Hurdle.

Andrew Lynch got to the front on Celtic Strand four out, and he was left in command from the penultimate flight.

Successful trainer, Liam McAteer said of the former Tom Tate-handled flat winner (bought for 5,200 guineas at Tattersalls last October) and scoring on outing number three over flights: "He was entitled to that. I said to Andrew if they didn't go a good enough gallop that we'd make the running. I didn't want to be pulling and dragging him. Andrew felt he'd be better getting a lead. We'll enter him for some of the better class hurdles." (EM)