The ultra-consistent Holly Tree may have earned a short break after victory in the opening www.hacketts.ie Novice Hurdle at Limerick yesterday. Dusty Sheehy's charge proved a cosy winner of the two-mile event, scooting clear before the second last for a six-length victory over Farmer Brown.

"I was thinking of putting him over fences but will leave him as a novice for this season and he'll stay over hurdles," revealed Sheehy afterwards. "He has been on the go a while and I might try and freshen him up." It was a timely winner for amateur Seán Flanagan, who was granted a professional licence yesterday and advertised his talents ahead of his switch to the paid ranks on Monday.

Jack Absolute showed terrific battling qualities in the following maiden hurdle when getting back up close home to deny Disclosure. John Murphy's charge looked set to play second fiddle when Disclosure swept to the lead at the last but stuck his head out gamely to prevail by a short-head.

Tom Hogan is hoping that Midnight Gift will be able to fulfil early promise after she got off the mark over timber in great style in the mares maiden hurdle. Denis O'Regan's mount quickened smartly before the second last to streak clear for a 12-length victory over Simons Girl. "She was third in a listed bumper at Cheltenham but got sick and was never right last season," said Hogan.