Manger Et Trotter knuckled down well in the closing stages to claim the opening maiden hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon.

Enda Bolger 's charge had attracted support for the two-mile three-furlong contest, backed from 20/1 this morning and sent to post a 7/1 shot.

She travelled strongly, under Mark Walsh, to dispute before the straight and was going best approaching the penultimate flight.

A slight mistake there put her under pressure and long-time leader Chris's Dream proved a game foe.

The JP McManus-owned mare found more in the closing stages, however, to gain a half length success.

The winner was making just her third start under rules and had finished a promising fifth to Glens Harmony at Thurles last month.

Racing manager Frank Berry said afterwards:- "She ran well at Thurles and came on lovely from it and the softer ground and the extra few furlongs played into her hands.

"Mark said she'll jump a fence in time and was game and kept going. We'll find a little handicap along the way with her now.

"She is a half-sister to Gilgamboa and will jump a fence in time."

6/4 favourite Imperial Way finished well beaten in tenth and was found to be blowing hard post-race

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)