The judge couldn't split Ritournelle and Messerschmitt after a cracking finish to the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden at Thurles.

Andy Slattery 's charge, Ritournelle, went to post a 4/1 shot on her third outing and won the early battle for the lead in the mile contest under the trainer's son and namesake.

The Noel Meade-trained newcomer Messerschmitt made eye-catching ground turning for home though, under Ben Coen, and the 28/1 shot challenged the leader passing the two pole.

Ritournelle held a narrow advantage inside the final furlong and looked like she might hold off her rival but was joined on the line by the Kessaar gelding.

Meade said: "I thought the ground would be too soft for him but he is probably a very nice horse. His dam won a couple and he is a gorgeous horse who came out of Tally Ho (Stud).

"He loves fast ground and is a horse who could end up somewhere else (being sold). He is my own and if there is money there for them, we sell. That's the way it is and we'll se how it goes."

Brian Slattery, brother of Andy senior, commented:- "That was a great result and she had the experience. We have always liked her and she was entitled to win her maiden.

"We own her ourselves so we'll see what will come out of today."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)