Stagecoach Mary proved very game as she battled back to land the spoils in the first division of the maiden hurdle at Thurles.

The Garry Caldwell-trained mare made the running in the race, over just shy of two miles, and was joined over the second last by 5/6 favourite Clonshire River

A better jump at the last looked to have sealed things for the hotpot but Stagecoach Mary rallied to get on top again in the closing stages and post a three-parts-of-a-length win.

The 7/1 winner had been runner-up in a Downpatrick bumper on her debut last August and had been mid-division in a couple of strong maiden hurdles last month.

"We changed tactics with her today and it worked well,” said Caldwell.

“She is very genuine, would give you her all and we bought her to eventually go chasing. She can be keen, she wears the hood so we try and get her settled.

"It was a weak enough maiden so we said we'd take our chance and see what happens. We'll take her home now and give her a little break.

"We're quiet at the moment with eight or nine riding out but are ticking along. I haven't had a national hunt runner for a long time and only took back out a license this year."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)