In-foal New River was the latest 'baby on board' winner in Ireland when claiming the opening Tom McCormack Memorial Cup Mares Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan for trainer Dessie Hughes and jockey Mark Enright.

The daughter of Montjeu made all before readily recording an 11 lengths win over Little King Robin

The win proved yet another example for those with the belief that information pertaining to in-foal mares be made known to the public, with New River shedding her maiden tag at the 17th attempt.

Afterwards Hughes stated “I thought the race she ran in Roscommon the last time was a bit stronger than this. She jumped very well and every race she has ran she was just staying on, so I thought the trip would suit. She's in foal to Jeremy (sire of Hughes' stable star Our Conor) and she seems to be improving.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee