Ciandarragh proved much the best in the mares' maiden hurdle that got Ballinrobe's card under way this evening.

The King's Theatre mare, trained by Willie Mullins, arrived here with a win under her belt by two and a half lengths in a Kilbeggan bumper last month. Bookmakers duly sent off her off 5/2 joint favourite with Brogine That Killbeggan win came on good to firm going but she encountered yielding to soft here in Connacht.

The seven-year-old was always prominent behind front-running Herecomesthewolf She eased her way to the front after jumping the third last hurdle.

On the approach to the home bend, Ciandarragh travelled sweetly for Paul Townend as the pursuers all came off the bridle.

At the two pole she held a healthy lead of three lengths and once she slickly jumped the last she cantered in by four and a half lengths from Brogine. Diva Dawn at 20/1 kept on and just failed to get up for second by a head.

Afterwards, Paul Townend commented: "She was very good (for her first hurdle run) and kept it simple.

"She's improving away and is still learning and while she isn't big, has a lovely attitude. Hopefully she'll win again."

The winner was easy to back from a morning price of 13/8 as punters came for The Brock Inn during the day from 9/1 to 9/2. She was returned 7/2 and finished fourth.

Brogine was nicely backed from 4/1 this morning down to an SP of 5/2 joint favourite.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes