Elusive Ivy quickened up well on the run-in to claim the opening mares maiden hurdle at Galway and turn over hotpot Whistle Dixie

2/7 shot Whistle Dixie was prominent throughout in the two mile contest and travelled best turning for home.

She failed to find another gear, however, when asked for an effort at the last and could only keep on one-paced as Elusive Ivy swooped in the closing stages.

Brien Kane got a good tune from Gavin Cromwell's charge, despite losing his stick, to secure a length-and-a-quarter success at odds of 8/1. Whistle Dixie was just ahead of long-time leader Snaidhm in the runner-up spot.

The winner had shown some solid form over timber and had taken a bumper on her debut at Thurles last February.

The stewards had a look after the winner edged left and slightly hampered Goodbloodbadblood when coming with her run. There was no change after the enquiry.

"I wasn't surprised at all as she had disappointed me the last few times," said Cromwell.

"Brien went wide and I thought he was getting there too soon, however he then took a pull and in the end just got out the gap.

"She'll might go for a handicap at Fairyhouse on Wednesday."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)