He wasn't present to see it but Michael Grassick junior doubtless derived considerable pleasure from Only Exception s success under David Casey at Ballinrobe as it supplied him with his first success as a trainer.

The victorious four-year-old filly, a daughter of Our Conor's sire Jeremy, got the better of Via Del Corso in the closing stages, going on to triumph by one and a quarter lengths in the Bet Online At Thetote.com Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Grassick reported by phone: "I took over the licence at the start of the year and it's great to get that monkey off my back.

"She hadn't been the luckiest on the flat but this looked a good opportunity for her as she was getting all the allowances. David said she was good and brave at her hurdles – she's always schooled well.

"She finished out her race well having been a bit keen early on. This was lucky track for my father so thankfully it's continued for me."

Casey meanwhile remarked: "She'd been schooling well at home. It was her first run over hurdles so you couldn't be fancying her really. She jumped well." (DM & EM)