CLIFDON FOG without a win since successful in a nursery at Navan three years ago, but placed in a Denny's Juvenile Hurdle and an AIG Champion Hurdle, finally lost his maiden certificate over timber when sprinting clear to take yesterday's Cahir Maiden Hurdle by three lengths.

The Jim Bolger trained, Tommy Treacy partnered winner looked to have little chance of victory in the straight as the front running Merchants Quay continued to lead but, as soon as he safely negotiated the last in third place, he exploded into action.

Jeremy Hill's five year old lost his way since his promising two year old days, but he has strengthened and should be capable of winning a conditions hurdle.

Like Clifdon Fog, the Jessica Harrington trained Grange Court was not winning his maiden hurdle out of turn. In command with a circuit of the track to cover, the six year old kept galloping under John Shortt to beat Indian Maze by two lengths.

Lady Daisy landed a gamble - from 8 to 1 yesterday morning - in the featured Ladbrokes' Handicap Hurdle, defying top weight and a hair raising last flight blunder to win by five lengths.

Ridden by 7lb claimer, Adrian O'Shea, the Tony Mullins trained mare was in full flight when brushing through the last and almost lost her balance on landing. Mullins had been competing the winner over three miles but, on the advice of Richard Dunwoody, reverted her to the minimum distance.

Aidan O'Brien and Charlie Swan combined to win the Winter Novice Hurdle with the experienced handicapper Blaze of Honour. She has had her jumping problems but, as was evident at Punchestown on her previous appearance, is beginning to get her act together. Improving on the outside on the downhill run, Blaze of Honour jumped the last two slightly ahead of Ballyrihy Boy and won readily.

Young Gareth Cotter, currently riding the crest of a wave, landed the Cashel Handicap Chase on the grey Fairy Mist.