Donie McInerney partnered his first winner since his claim was reduced to 5lb last weekend as The Kings Baby continued on an upward curve in the Ballagh Mares Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

The point-to-point winner opened her account under rules last month in a maiden hurdle at Tramore, and positive tactics again did the trick.

The Moses McCabe-trained mare headed the front-running Fintara three out and held a four-length advantage over Lockeen Girl at the last.

However the 9/2 joint favourite needed the line in the closing stages and eventually held on by a length from her fellow market leader.

The pair pulled all of 30 lengths clear of Miss Sassie in third.

McCabe said, "She is a little dinger for a small mare and we'll go for something else again. She stays all day, is very genuine and maybe we could look for a black-type race for her now.

"Her owner Michael Kenny, from Co Wicklow, is away on holidays in Australia to see his son."

(TW & AM)