Twenty-four horses went to post for the mallow.ie Handicap Hurdle with Madame Mado coming out on top for her trainer Willie Murphy with Barry Cash aboard.

Just like Knockfierna in the race before, Madame Mado also won last time out at Wexford on November 27th, on that occasion she won a mares hurdle.

Today the 7yo daughter of Lost World put in an impressive performance carrying 11-11, improving to challenge at the third last before quickly drawing clear, staying on well to score by a comfortable five lengths. Head Waiter ran well to take second for his trainer Richard Walker at 10/1 a neck ahead of Goidelic who finished third at 6/1 for his trainer Philip Rothwell. Concrete And Clay completed the placings a further two lengths back in fourth for Charles O’Brien.

Winning trainer Willie Murphy said afterwards: "She is a good mare and its great to win with her as she was bought to be a broodmare.

"We might try and sneak her in at the bottom of a handicap hurdle next and I wouldn't rule out the MCR Hurdle (now the Boylesports.com Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 28th).

"She likes a quick pace and might go chasing next season."