Knockmehill Lady, who only opened her account at Fairyhouse last month, followed up off just a 5lb higher mark in the Carrick-On-Suir Mares Handicap Hurdle.

Rob Jones produced the seven-year-old to lead narrowly after two out, and the 7/2 chance gamely held off the strong challenge of Pretty Happy (9/2) by a neck. Starling Lady (11/2) was third.

The well-backed 9/4 favourite Narima dropped away tamely in the straight.

Winning trainer Michelle Gannon said, “She’s only small but is as tough as nails and has a great heart.

“I’m lucky to have her and we’ll see what the handicapper does next.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)