Via Rosa dominated off the front under Mark Walsh in the opening mares' maiden hurdle over an extended 2m1f at Sligo.

The 5/2 shot survived an early mistake and was clearly on good terms with herself as she began to increase the pressure on the pursuers after two out.

She soon scooted clear and was ridden on the run-in to keep the forward momentum going. The six-year-old Milan mare passed the post three lengths to the good over nicely backed 11/8 favourite Knocknagappagh who stayed on without ever threatening the winner. The Grey Monty (15/2) was another couple of lengths back in third.

Trainer Padraig Roche said: "She jumps and she gallops. John and Kevin (Power) have been very good to me since I started training and it's great to get that winner for them.

"They bred her so it's important to get the winning bracket for her. She had some good runs in bumpers and was probably a bit unlucky not to win one, but she got the job done today, thank God."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan