Following on from Take It Easee in the opener, Ach Aye Surely was another mare to head the betting and do the business in division two of the Guinness Christmas Racing Festival Maiden Hurdle. Alan Crowe deputised on the grey for Alain Cawley – in Leopardstown to ride Joncol in the Lexus Chase.

The even money shot was under pressure in the straight as Donnachas Chant travelled like a winner. However the daughter of Val Royal got to the front before the second last and found plenty under a drive to score by seven lengths.

James Nolan, brother of the winning trainer, Paul, said: "She was unlucky a few times and she was second to Premier Victory here one day. She done the job well, got her jumping together and found plenty for Alan when he asked her.

"She was clearing her hurdles so well that she'd nearly jump a fence at some stage but for now she'll probably go for a handicap. Helen O'Reilly, the winning owner, is a neighbour of ours from Enniscorthy so it is great to train a winner for her."