Daffern puts Seal on impressive comeback

Daffern Seal ran out the emphatic winner of Kilbeggan’s opening two-and-a-half mile maiden hurdle in the hands of Robbie McNamara in spite of being off track for 519 days.

The seven-year-old gelding from the Dermot Weld yard cut out the running throughout with Granaruid He went on before two out and cantered clear by 13 lengths from his fellow pacesetter.

The winner was returned at 9/1. Even money favourite Rockofinspiration faded to finish sixth.

Kris Weld, son of trainer Dermot, said: “He’s similar to another of our horses, Merchant Royal, in that for a seven-year-old he hasn’t run too much. He’s had a few growing pains but patience has paid dividends.

“He’s a great jumper and handled the track well. We’ll probably put him in a handicap and see what mark he gets.”

After this race the going was changed from Good to Firm (Good in places) to Good due to the amount of rain.