Akua came home best to land the Eva-Tec Ltd Claiming Maiden at Bellewstown under Oisin Orr. Zalzar had looked a possible winner when leading from two furlongs out but she eventually had to yield to Akua (100/30) in the final hundred yards and a length and a quarter split them at the line.

"We probably thought she was a bit better than she was last year but she tries hard and is very honest. Winning maidens in Ireland is difficult so that was a nice level for her," said winning trainer Eddie Lynam.

"Oisin was clever early on as they went plenty quick and he did things right on her. I'm delighted to train a winner for Tony O'Callaghan as I've trained Group and Stakes winners for his full-brothers but I've never trained him a winner.

"Once you put them in a claimer and they're claimed that's fine. That's the game. I think they are a great idea and there should be more of them."

There were no claims for any of the runners.

(AM & EM)