Russell times it well on Thistle

Why Not Thistle came with a perfectly timed surge to land the spoils in the mares maiden hurdle at Limerick this afternoon.

Davy Russell settled the well-backed daughter of Flemensfirth (7/2 into 5/2jf) in mid-division before taking closer order turning for home.

He drove Donie Murphy's charge into the lead approaching the final flight and she stayed on well to score by two-and-three-quarter lengths.

20/1 shot Vole Au Vent ran on to grab second. The other joint favourite Perfect Woman faded in the straight to finish tenth after making the running.

The winner came into the race off the back of a good run at Punchestown last month when she had chased home easy winner Queens Wild.

"She was due that as she had been running well without getting her head in front. That ground wouldn't suit any horse as it's really tough going but she just about handled it," said Murphy.

"Davy said the last day that she was a bit keen but switching her off was the key today and he's a top man!

"We'll see what the handicapper does with her but she could run in a handicap at either Mallow or Fairyhouse next."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)