Molly Wedger justified favouritism when displaying real fighting spirit to land the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Hurdle at Killarney.

Brian Hayes tracked long-time leader Steak And Onions for much of the contest, before allowing his mount stride on entering the home straight.

However, that move was quickly covered by Jack Kennedy, who appeared to travel equally as well on Hollymount

On the approach to the second last, Kennedy seemed to have the upper hand, as Hayes began to push away on the Dermot O'Brien trained mare.

The pendulum swung once more when a better jump at that hurdle gave Molly Wedger back the initiative and she quickened up well to lead over the final flight and take the prize.

Trainer Dermot O'Brien said; "she bounced back after her bad run in Bellewstown - the trip might have been a bit short for her but she never carried him. Maybe she just doesn't enjoy the firm ground and we'll try and keep her on ground with a cut in it. This was great ground and was ideal.

"Brian gave her a lovely patient ride and maybe got first run on Jack Kennedy (on runner-up Hollymount), which was a help.

"We'll try and find something in Galway for her."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes