Champ off the mark for 2014

Champion jockey Joseph O’Brien opened his account for 2014 as Misty Lane recorded a hard-earned victory in the seven-furlong handicap at Dundalk.

2013 was certainly a year to remember for O’Brien winning the title for the second time with a record-breaking tally of 126, smashing Mick Kinane’s previous best of 115 which stood for 20 years.

The Reggie Roberts-trained mare, sporting an eye-shield for the first time, added to her previous success here a couple of years ago with a gutsy display in the straight.

O’Brien had her in front from a wide-draw after a little over a furlong but was hard at work early in the straight.

However the light-raced six-year-old found plenty under pressure to justify odds of 4/1.

She had a length to spare over Cluin Aine at the line, with Captains Dilemma a neck back in third.