The three runner Fairyhouse Merchandise Race saw a fantastic duel to round off the six furlong heat, with Queens Carriage getting the better of Master Matt by a short head.

On her first start at three, after rounding off her juvenile campaign with a couple of wins last winter at Dundalk, Kevin Coleman’s charge again had Luke McAteer in the plate.

She chased Master Matt in second, and was pushed along to lead a furlong and a half out. Staying on well under hands and heels in the final furlong, Queens Carriage was strongly pressed close home, all out to defeat the pace setter.

They left outsider Tara Power eleven lengths back in third.

“She can only do what she has done and it was competitive for what was in it. The second is a good yardstick,” said Coleman.

“Luke said she handled the ground but sure when do jockeys ever say they don't handle it when they win!

“She's up to getting a bit of black-type if we can place her right. She should come on from that.

“Her rating is high so I won't be going down the handicap route. Thank-God she has trained on.”

(GC & EM)