Mahlers Cove got the better of a protracted battle with Pidoyne to open his account in the Killinan Handicap Hurdle over two miles at Thurles.

The pair drew clear after the penultimate flight and were in the air together at the last before Mikey O’Connor’s mount proved the stronger in the closing stages to score by a length and three quarters. One More Lass was all of 23 lengths back in third at the rewarding odds of 100/1.

Trainer Jimmy Mangan said of the 11/1 winner, “Mikey works for Henry (de Bromhead, trainer of runner-up Pidoyne) and I'm delighted for him as he is a very good 5lb claimer.

"I was disappointed with him as I thought he'd be better than he is and the Racing Club weren't here today as I didn't give them any encouragement to back him today. But there were a lot of withdrawals and he loved the going - that was the key.

"We also changed his training as he mostly lives out in the field now. He had allergies which were affecting him and living outdoors seems to have worked."

Quotes by Tom Weekes