Maneen and Monarch the big two in the betting, went at it from an early stage in the FA Cup Betting At 188BET E.B.F. (C & G) Maiden (Plus 10 Race) and the former came out on top Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen at Limerick.

The Chanelle Phar Ltd-owned Paco Boy colt vindicated the promise he'd shown when second at Navan in the autumn, eventually holding on by a neck from Vocal Experience

The aforementioned Ballydoyle newcomer, Monarch, had no more to give inside the final furlong and finished a length and three parts back in third.

"It's gluey, testing and very holding ground, and I couldn't have asked for a better willing attitude than he showed there," reported Smullen.

"He got headed and battled back well; he was there to be shot at twice and fought them off. I imagine he could run in a mile and a quarter handicap next."

(TW & EM)