Certerach survived a final furlong swerve to take the opening Mullinahone Maiden at Clonmel.

Johnny Murtagh always had the 7/4 favourite prominent and he took over from front-runner Fountain Of Honour turning into the straight in the 1m2f event.

Michael Halford 's charge looked set to power away at the furlong pole but drifted right across the track inside the final furlong. Crystal Highness tried to throw down a challenge but the winner was going away again as he got straightened up and recorded a length-and-three-quarters success.

"He's a grand nice big horse," said Halford afterwards.

"He handled the ground well on what was only his second start. We were a bit worried about the track and he got a bit lonely out in front. Johnny said he got there earlier than he wanted to.

"We've had to be so patient with him and it took him a long time to show us anything.

"He's a bit of a nice prospect now. He may go to the horses-in-training sale in October."

Gary Carson