The chases may have been claimed by the cold snap at Cork on Monday but there was still six events for racegoers to enjoy and Knockfierna (5-2) maintained her rate of progression with a ready success in the racinghomeforeaster.com Mares Novice Hurdle.
Charles Byrnes' Limerick maiden scorer successfully conceded 5lb to the returning Golden Sunbird after Davy Russell booted her into a clear lead three flights from the finish.
The further they went, the better she looked and there was three and a half lengths between the first two as she powered past the finishing post.
Russell doubled up when partnering the Tony Martin-trained Le Marquis (11-2) to an easy four-length victory over Masked Phantom in the Follow Us On Facebook Handicap Hurdle, while Shop DJ relished a step back up in trip when opening his jumps account in the Follow Us On Twitter Maiden Hurdle.
The Peter Fahey-trained 7-4 chance looked to have it all to do as chief market rival Sicilian Secret travelled powerfully in front but Alan Crowe galvanised his mount approaching the final obstacle.
She produced a sparkling turn of foot after taking the last in good style and the three-length winning margin hardly did her justice.< Foildubh displayed an excellent attitude to make all the running and eventually repel the challenge of Willie Mullins' market leader Dare To Doubt in the opening www.corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle.
John Ryan's 4-1 shot dug deep for Robbie Colgan and following a fine leap at the last flight, he pulled two and a half lengths clear.< Owennacurra Milan trained by Mary Hallahan and ridden by Sean McDermott, caused a 25-1 upset in the Student Raceday March 31st Handicap Hurdle, while 6-1 shot What An Flyer took the 2010 Three Day Easter Festival Mares INH Flat Race by a comfortable seven lengths from Backinthere
