Inishbel went one place better than twelve months ago, as she made the breakthrough over flights in the Irish Jockeys Association Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The Colin Bowe trained six-year-old was beaten a half a length into second by Aasleagh Dawn in this very race last year, and was sent off a well-backed 5/2 favourite today.

Fourth on her last two starts, the daughter of Arakan was available at 5/1 in early shows, opening on-course at just 11/4.

Settled in a close second by Bryan Cooper, the bay victor improved to lead from four out.

She was ridden and pressed by Laureate from the final flight, fending off that rival by a length and a quarter at the line.

The runner-up was returned at 3/1 under Adam Short for Colin McBratney, while So Enjoy (11/4) was another thirteen lengths back in third.

Bowe, who trains the winner for Patrick Joseph McCann, said: "She was actually second in this race last year and we did plan to come here.

"She jumps very well and had quite a bit of experience. She kind of deserved that.

"Bryan (Cooper) said to probably go straight for a chase instead of hurdling, maybe over two and a half miles. She will probably come back here for a chase."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham