Grimaud ground out victory in the opening maiden hurdle at Gowran Park to give Jack Kennedy a welcome winner with Cheltenham just around the corner.

Kennedy returned from injury at Leopardstown on Monday and was recording his first success since late November on the 8/13 shot.

He drove his mount up to dispute with long-time leader Captain Ryan Matt at the second last and he had a narrow advantage before the final flight, which he flicked through.

Gordon Elliott ’s charge stayed on well on the run-in to post a four-length success.

It was a deserved win for the Zoffany gelding, who had been placed on his first three runs over timber.

Kennedy said:- “It’s nice to get a winner before next week.

“He had the form to do that and it’s nice for him to get off the mark.

“He wouldn’t mind the ground a bit better. It’s very testing and he did well to get through it.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)