Shane Foley waited as long as he dared, aboard favourite, Maira in the BWG Foods Maiden at Dundalk, but it was Petit Adagio that proved strongest at the finish under Pat Smullen.

Foley, obviously mindful of the fact that his mount hadn't delivered as much as expected in the past, delayed asking the Zamindar filly for the maximum, until inside the final furlong.

The sweet-traveller just kept going at the same pace though, and in the end went under by a neck to Dermot Weld's Petit Adagio, who'd taken over two furlongs out.

"She ran very green here first time which they can do under the lights," said Smullen.

"She came home well and that's why I wanted to ride her good and positive tonight. She stuck on well and showed a lot of courage. She was strongly challenged but was never going to be denied.

"She doesn't have a lot of size, but has a big heart, and that's what usually wins races."

(GC & EM)