Black Tears stayed on strongly in the closing stages to gain a deserved success in the mares maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The daughter of Jeremy had been runner-up on four occasions since winning her bumper at Cork last March, including on her last two outings over timber.

Davy Russell had the 8/13 shot handy throughout in today's two-mile contest and hit the front going to the second last.

Gordon Elliott 's charge asserted before the final flight and went on to record a five-and-a-half length success over Little Light

Elliott said:- “I thought she would do that the last day but thankfully she’s got her head in front today. She’ll go now for the Mares Novice Hurdle (at Cheltenham).

“She’s got good bumper form and has some experience now so she’ll be okay.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)