There was no harm done after Fit For Function slipped up after the line, the Captain Gerrard colt having just built on a promising debut by taking the opening Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Median Auction Maiden at Fairyhouse under Gary Carroll.

Never far away Joe Murphy's 11/2 shot gained a narrow lead inside the final furlong, before going on to see off Lady Allegra - came home well - by three parts of a length.

"He's a very genuine horse. It was just one of those things (the unshipping of Carroll afterwards). The ground is a bit slippy after the rain and he just jinked a bit. He's a Christian of a horse," commented Murphy.

"He just idled a bit in front. I don't know how to rate him on that but he'll be going for a nursery."

(AM & EM)