Niven just held on at the line to make a winning debut in handicap company in the mile nursery at Cork.

Shane Foley tracked the leaders and produced his mount to lead a furlong and a half from home but he was all out at the death as 33/1 shot Smiling Emily flashed home.

Only a head separated the pair at the line and the third, La Tendresse was just a further head back in a tight finish after also staying on well in the closing stages.

The Ken Condon-trained winner was sent off a 6/1 shot having been backed from 8/1 on course. He had been well held in fifth on his two previous starts in maidens when sent off big prices.

"He handled that ground really well," said Foley.

"He pricked his ears when he got to the front but he toughed it out well. He's a big frame of a horse and he should stay well next year."

It was a double on the card for Foley, who had also landed the opening maiden on Compass Hill

(Quote by Alan Magee)