There was a lengthy delay to race four in Limerick due to a thunderstorm and a going change from good to firm to yielding to soft ensued with the stalls out of operation due to lightning in the area.

The rain certainly did Cnodian s chance no harm at all as she has plenty of form on soft ground, and she travelled smoothly into contention before picking up the lead just outside the furlong pole.

The 5/2 favourite kept on strongly for Nathan Crosse to close out this extended six-furlong handicap by three-parts of a length. Linger For Longer kept on into the runner-up berth and was half a length in front of One For Mum (5/1).

Cnodian also won this race last year.

Trainer Willie McCreery said: "God was on our side because we were drawn 17 before the stalls were taken away and she also likes an ease in the ground!

"I wasn't wanting to run her because she is so honest and tries so hard and thought we had no change from (stall) 17 around here. Rory (O'Toole, owner) said 'let's take our chance' and it was a good call on his part, although he must have a direct line with God!

"If the horses lined up properly she would have been wider, but Nathan did pony racing so knew what he was at. I'm delighted for him as he riding very well, is a hard worker and is a great young fella.

"Rory and Noeleen O'Toole bred her and she has won aged three, four and five and they want to breed from her - she is as honest as the day is long."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes