Ard Cregg stayed on stoutly under her light weight to claim the opening Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase at Thurles this afternoon.

Stephen Gray 's mount looked to have plenty to do in a moderate fourth going to the third last but stuck on well in the straight.

Val O'Brien 's charge battled it out with the long-absent Teelin Star going to the last and asserted on the run-in for a two-and-three-quarters length success over the well-backed 5/2 favourite (6/1 in morning).

The 13/2 winner had been third at Naas on her most recent outing last month.

"She was entitled to her turn as she'd been third twice and is tough,” said O'Brien.

"They didn't hang around, which helped her, and I'll look for something around Christmas next."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)