Je T'ai Porte saw off the challenge of Milajess to get off the mark in the opening mares' maiden hurdle in Clonmel.

Th 4/1 shot made all but was pressed by Milajess (7/1) who improved into second at the penultimate flight.

Je T'ai Porte still held a narrow advantage over the last and jumped it slightly the better of the pair. She found for Keith Donoghue in the closing stages to come in by a length and a half. Phils Choice (10/3) dropped from second to third on the run to the second-last flight and couldn't go with the leaders before the last. She finished five lengths further back.

Gavin Cromwell said: "She is not straightforward and was leaning out left the whole time, but I'm hoping when she steps up in class and takes a lead, it might suit her more.

"She settled away and getting the freshest ground helped as well. She jumps well, makes a nice shape and she might go into handicap company now."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes