A half-brother to Cheltenham hopeful, Shaneshill, Captainofthefleet has been a marvellous servant to current connections, since last going through the sales ring for 7,500 Euros in October 2012, and he struck again today in the Littleton Handicap Hurdle at Thurles under Eoin O'Connell.

Now a five time winner, including a Limerick maiden success in 2011 when under Kevin Prendergast's tutelage, the 9/1 shot here found plenty for pressure to get the better of Tiger Bay Lady and Toon River

"He gave me my first winner in Limerick (at Christmas) and it's great to get back winning on him again," commented O'Connell (20).

"It looked all over for me but he keeps finding-he's tough and he stays very well. He loves the mud.

"That's my second winner and I'm with my dad (winning trainer Eamonn) four days a week. I'm with Charles Byrnes two days a week.

"We're only forty minutes away from here so we're delighted." (TW & EM)