Ben Dalton delivered Croghill Tuppence with a well-timed challenge along the inner rail coming to the last and the pair forged on from there to win the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

He had finished fourth over three miles at this track in June but this extended two mile three was more to his liking as his trainer confirmed.

“He’s probably better over a shorter trip, two and a half is probably ideal for him. It wasn’t the greatest of races but that’s grand,” John Berry said.

“He’ll go for a winners race somewhere and we’ll look at Listowel. He likes nice ground, but wouldn’t want it too hard.” Lilly The Lioness had them all on the stretch from the front. Indeed she was still going better than Kestrel who was trying to get on terms round the home bend.

Coming to the last though, Croghill Tuppence (14/1) came through with his powerful finish. He beat the staying on 5/4 favourite Dancing Roe by a length and three parts. Kestrel was third at 7/1, a length ahead of Lilly The Lioness.

Croghill Tuppence won a point-to-point in Ballybunion in May.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson