Aunt Alice could be a mare on the upgrade as the five-year-old showed when landing the Kinnegad Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Winning rider Brian Hayes can say that he 'rode the mother' too, as he was on Aunt Alice's dam, Sweet Kiln, when she registered the last of her ten victories, at Tramore, in 2008.

Also in the famous Bowe-family silks, Hayes got Aunt Alice (10/1) home by four lengths from the favourite, Burton Hall

"It's good to be back. Akatara was my last winner. She came here three times and won three times. She's in foal to Dylan Thomas now," said successful handler Michael Bowe.

"This lady loves the place too but I'd say she can go on a bit further. A big galloping track will suit her.

"She's an out-and-out stayer and I'm delighted they went a good gallop.

"She was weak as a four-year-old and has strengthened up big time and is a different mare.

"The jumping helped as well as she's a natural jumper. She'll probably come back here for a winners of one at the end of the month. I think that's two miles six which might suit even better.

"She can make the running too and is very versatile. She's typical of a mare that starts improving and you don't know with mares where they'll stop."

A.E. Lynch, rider of Idee Emery (FR) trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right in running.

(GC & EM)