Dolphin Bay has been a tremendous horse for connections having started his career way back in October 2003 and the now ten-year-old gained his first win since November 2008 by gaining a hard-fought success in the Event Hire at Naas Racecourse Handicap Hurdle.

Winning his ninth race and his first since joining John Kiely from James Burns (his uncle John Burns bred the Dolphin Street gelding), a better jump at the last by Dolphin Bay was instrumental in his short head success from the persistent light-weight The Dew At Night (receiving 16Ibs from the winner).

Successful rider Paddy Kennedy, returning from injury having broken his wrist, was joining an illustrious list of those who have ridden Dolphin Bay a winner which includes Mick Kinane, Seamie Heffernan, Barry Geraghty, Rory Cleary and Davy Condon.

John Kiely said: "I'm delighted to get a race for the owners (the Tonson-Ryes) who have been in the game a long time. The horse has been very consistent since I've got him. I felt we needed to claim off him here given the weight we had and the lad gave him a great ride.

"We'll see how he comes out of this before deciding where we'll go next."