A Wave Of The Sea battled back tenaciously to defeat stable mate Cerberus in the Ladbrokes 3-Y-O Hurdle.

Providing JJ Slevin with a quick double on the card, the Joseph O'Brien trained victor was sent off the 4/5 favourite having finished an unlucky second on his debut over flights at Listowel last month.

In front after the second, the son of Born To Sea was ridden and pressed by Cerberus on the run to the final flight.

Soon headed the Demi O'Byrne owned gelding rallied gamely on the run-in, getting up close home to prevail by a neck.

The runner-up, on what was his first start over flights, was returned at 25/1, while Laura Bullion (10/3 to 11/4) was a further eight lengths back in third.

JJ Slevin, who won the previous contest on Fruits Of Glory said: "He was still a little bit green and I suppose he'd never really been in front. He was having a bit of a look.

"He did the job well, battled well and they are two nice horses going forward, with a bit of luck.

"It's a privilege to ride a winner in Demi's colours. Cerberus is owned by past pupils of the Good Counsel School in New Ross. It was a great run for them as well."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson