Kaptain Bay relishes faster ground to score for Meade A return to better ground proved key as the Noel Meade trained Kaptain Bay ran out a comfortable winner of the Sean And Margaret McManus Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Bellewstown. Placed twice in juvenile hurdles last season, the four-year-old was pulled up on soft ground on his return to action at Fairyhouse in February. Back on more favourable terrain this afternoon, the 15/8 chance travelled easily throughout the race under Donagh Meyler. Making stylish headway after two out, the New Bay gelding headed Mic Drop on the run to the final flight. Staying on well close home, Kaptain Bay had four-and-a-quarter lengths in hand of the aforementioned rival at the line. Donagh Meyler said: "He probably just hasn't been finishing out his races 100 per cent on that softer ground, but he rode a completely different horse. "He travelled into the race well and hit the line well, so all positive and hopefully he can come on from that. Delighted with him. "He was (a good winner in the end) to be fair. The horse I had to beat (Mic Drop) was in front of me and I had plenty to aim at. He had a little grab at the second last and just kind of landed me there but, to be fair to the horse, he has done nothing wrong. Got under the last and picked up again - all good. "Please God we might get the week (of weather) that we are after having, all summer - it would suit this lad." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
