Never Again got up close home to deny the front-running favourite Slowmotion in the opener at Limerick, the Limerick Racecourse Vets Hurdle.

Without a win in four previous attempts over flights the John Joe Walsh trained victor was sent off a 12/1 chance with Adrian Heskin in the saddle.

Settled in rear the daughter of Jeremy was pushed along approaching the straight and went second on the run to two out.

She made a bad mistake there but recovered quickly, staying on best on the run-in, getting up to score by half a length.

Slowmotion, who was sent off the even money favourite, had to settle for second under Mark Walsh for Aidan O'Brien, while the front two went sixteen lengths clear of Lagostovegas in third.

John Joe Walsh said afterwards: "She settled today and the heavier ground helped her settle more. She was second in Thurles twice but didn't settle either day.

"She is ground dependent and all those Jeremys want heavy ground. She'll might run next in a four year old race at Fairyhouse."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes