The Noel Meade trained Une Lavandiere gained a first success at the eighth attempt, at Killarney today, winning the M.D.O'Shea & Sons Mares Maiden Hurdle under jockey Sean Flanagan.

The French bred daughter of Laveron improved to dispute the lead at the third last flight and on the run-in, shook off the challenge of Open To The World to score a length win.

Meade, who was recording his fifth winner of the new season, later stated "I thought the rain would suit her as she stays well. She jumps well and we won't delay too long about putting her over fences."

Meade was also completing an early-season 'full-set' of provincial winners, having already trained winners this term in Connaught (Ballinrobe and Roscommon), Ulster (Downpatrick) and Leinster (Kilbeggan).

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee