After finishing an eye-catching third at Clonmel on her last start, Routes Choice went two places better today as she took the Frank Hogan Mercedes-Benz Mares Maiden Hurdle for the father and son team of Philip and Luke Dempsey.

As short as 15/8 last night, the daughter of King's Theatre proved easy to back today as she went off a 7/2 chance.

Settled in second she improved to lead after three out and went a few lengths clear from the next.

She was ridden before the last and kept on well under pressure to see off Danali by three and three parts of a length.

The runner-up, who made a mistake at the last, was returned a 6/1 chance (from 8's on-course) under Adrian Heskin for John Joe Walsh. Midnight Theatre who attempted to make all, was sent off the even money favourite and she finished a disappointing fifth, fading tamely after she was headed three out.

Philip Dempsey said afterwards: "She had a nice run the last day when she came home well and the extra trip suited today.

"The ground is testing enough and she'll be a nice mare to go chasing next year.

"I'll keep her to mares' company and we'll go for a winners' of one in a month's time."

The winner is owned by Dubai based teacher Louise Austin, a niece of trainer Willie Austin.

STEWARDS REPORTS

A.E. Lynch, rider of Born In Killeen trained by Ms Claire O'Connell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle the ground.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Midnight Theatre, trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have lost a front shoe but was otherwise post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes