Third over course and distance last month, the Gordon Elliott-trained Gaye Winnie went two places better when landing the ITBA Mares Maiden Hurdle.

She came through to lead at the last and went away to beat stablemate Signora Di Milano who was partnered by Carl Millar, by two-and-three-quarter lengths

Danny Gilligan was due to ride the eventual runner-up but switched to the winner with Jack Kennedy not riding after a fall at Kilbeggan yesterday.

Gilligan said: "We kind of knew she would improve from the run the last day.

"Going out, I thought she would be bang there - I would have been disappointed if she wasn't going to be.

"She probably didn't kill herself when she hit the front, but she has done her job now.

"I'd say so (get further), she seemed to relax there and I could hold onto her for as long as I wanted to. I'd say two and a-half should be no bother to her."

Quotes from Michael Graham