Hayes back with a winner on Kilkishen

Kilkishen (5/1) beat off Danielle's Journey by a length at the end of two miles and six furlongs in The Belfast Live Hurdle at Down Royal.

Brian Hayes rode him clear approaching the last but the pair had to withstand a strong challenge on the run-in from the runner-up who was an 11/2 chance.

The even-money-favourite Cogryhill could make no impression a further 11 lengths back in third.

Trainer Shark Hanlon said: "I'm thrilled for Brian (Hayes) as it is his first day back after eight weeks out with a pelvis. He is dedicated to his job. Even when he was hurt he was in and about the yard.

"He's a big chaser. We thought we would only run him once over hurdles but we'll see. It was a lovely pot. That's his trip. We thought last year he didn't stay three miles but he is a stronger horse than he was and he might now. He'll be a nice horse for the summer and he'll improve for the run.

"I've only had six or seven runners since October as I have a lot of summer horses. I'm hoping they are not going to keep watering the ground as they did today as people who have summer horses deserve summer ground. Brian said it wouldn't be better than yielding."

Track management advised that watering was declared with Horse Racing Ireland.