Nina Carberry enjoyed the perfect return to the saddle as Cask Mate ran out an impressive winner of the concluding bumper at Ballinrobe this afternoon.

Carberry teamed up with old boss Noel Meade on the Kalanisi gelding, her first ride in public since giving birth to daughter Rosie four months ago.

Punters latched on to the gelding backing him from as big as 8/1 this morning and he eventually went to post the 9/4 co-favourite of three.

It proved a dream passage for Carberry as her mount tracked the leaders and swept to the lead turning for home.

He only needed to be shaken up in the closing stages to post a very easy 12-length success.

The winner was showing significant improvement having been well held in two runs in the spring. He was wearing a tongue-tie for the first time this afternoon.

"It's great — Noel gave me a nice horse to ride and thank God I steered him in the right direction, I remembered the way to go around," said Carberry.

"I've had a wonderful nine months and little Rosie arrived — I wouldn't swap that for any winner, but it's good to be back.

"I couldn't believe it turning in I was like have we got another lap to go.

"Noel quietly fancied him so it was nice to get back on a winner."

Meade added:- "It was marvellous. She was very excited about coming back. Ted (Walsh jnr - husband) was telling me she was really hopping.

"She said she'd come back for Listowel but then we didn't have anything to run.

"I wanted her to come back to ride the horse in Roscommon but she said it was just a bit soon for her.

"I'm absolutely thrilled for her — it's great to have her back — she's a magic person.

"I must admit that I was surprised by how easy he won. I didn't think he could win as easy as that.

"He's a full brother to Russian Bill but he has more boot than him, more pace.

"When he ran the twice in the spring he was after doing a whole year around since the sales.

"Sometimes they just need a bit of time. I'm sure that'll be the end of bumpers now and the syndicate are from Irish Distillers. They've had horses with me for years."

(Quotes by Eamonn Murphy)