10lb claimer Willie Byrne gave Roman Seera a fine front-running ride to claim the concluding mile maiden at Cork this afternoon.

The apprentice was recording just his second career victory when guiding Tony Mullins' charge to a half length victory at odds of 10/1.

The Holy Roman Emperor filly won the early battle for the lead and kept on well in the closing stages to hold 7/4 favourite Free Ranger and open her account at the third time of asking.

The winner had been third on her return to action at Listowel last month having made her debut back in January 2016.

"She improved immensely having had a late covering and is in-foal to Vocalised. It changed her and she is a good tough galloping filly,” said Mullins.

"We'll just have a look and I think there's a black-type race in two weeks time. If there is one run left, she'll run in a black-type race and we're over the moon with that today."

Another 10lb claimer, Paul Jones, had a rough ride around with Where's My Warrior s saddle slipping soon after the start. He had to kick out his irons and his mount raced freely just behind the leader before fading on the turn for home.

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)