The Eddie Harty trained More Than Ever caused a 25/1 surprise to win the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Maiden Hurdle at Tramore today, scoring under jockey Davy Russell.

Russell, who has ridden winners at the last 12 Cheltenham Festivals, continues to show an insatiable appetite for winners and was at his patient best on the daughter of Robin Des Champs. The pair made late headway in the dip to lead after the final flight and in the end stayed on well to score a length win over 20/1 Cotton Jenny while Timanora filled the third spot, also at 20/1.

Afterwards Harty stated “that was a pleasant surprise but it was an end of season mares maiden and she was crying out for good ground.

“She had a tongue strap on to try and help her but she just got stuck in the ground twice before. This looked a good opportunity and while I didn't think she'd win, I thought she'd run well enough to warrant continuing with her.

“They probably went too fast in front and it played into our hands. I don't know where she will go now, it was nice to get today, and it is a nice start to the week."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Donal Murphy