Russell gets tune out of Motown Maggie

Motown Maggie got first run on her rivals to land the mares' maiden hurdle on Fairyhouse's card.

The four-year-old Doyen filly was always prominent in the first-time cheekpieces and led narrowly after three out.

It was at that flight that the 11/4 favourite Banntown Girl was less than fluent and she was shuffled back on the inner. Outback Flyer soon clipped heels and came down when still in contention behind the leaders.

Davy Russell sent Motown Maggie on by two lengths at the penultimate flight and a good jump at the last enabled her to fend off a Banntown Girl by three parts of a length at 3/1. The well-backed Nancy Wyse (13/2 - 4/1) was another three and a half length away in third at 4/1.

Gordon Elliott said: “That was great and she was very gutsy.

“We put cheekpieces on her today and I'd say it definitely helped her. Davy gave her a good gutsy ride and she stayed galloping well. I loved the way she put her head out.

“She has a couple of runs now so she'll get a mark. We could look for a mares' handicap hurdle somewhere.”

Motown Maggie had been placed in her last two hurdle contests.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson