There was a great tussle between 1/1 favourite I A Connect and Chicago Time (3/1) in the Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle with the former just coming out on the right side of a head-bobbing finish.

The pair disputed the lead from the start with the market leader taking over at the second last having travelled best from some way out.

Chicago Time rallied bravely on the run-in but it was the favourite who had his head down where it mattered to win by a short head under Jack Kennedy.

A beaten favourite in three bumpers last year, the Jeremy gelding had won a 2m4f bumper at Kilbeggan in July and was making a winning debut over hurdles.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott was completing a quick double after Party Central in the opener and said: "Two miles is as short as he wants and he jumped very well. I'll try and find a little novice or winners' of one for him next.

“He disappointed us in bumpers and the way he went there, he probably doesn't want winter ground.

"It was a great pot to win for the owners (the McNeill family) who have nice horses in the yard, so it is brilliant for them."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes