With odds-on favourite Little Stevie failing by some way to come up to expectations, Sweet Cherry (7/2) was the one to step up in the Follow Kilbeggan On Twitter Maiden Hurdle.

The 'jolly' (eventually came home in ninth place) seem ill-at-ease on the track as things hotted up around the closing bends.

However, the Conor Maxwell-ridden Sweet Cherry was only hitting top stride at that juncture, and in the end she had five and a half lengths in hand over Blagapar

Winning trainer Eamonn Delany said: "I was a bit concerned about the ground, and it was touch and go whether we would run. If there is a bit of cut we could have some fun with her over the summer."

Part owner Pat Fullam was on hand, and he's not long back from a holiday in Peru and the United States.

A.P. Heskin, rider of Little Stevie (GB), trained by E. Bolger, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung throughout and did not handle the track or the ground( good, good to firm in places).

(AM & EM)