Persian Wind provided Luke Dempsey with his first winner since returning from injury when landing the Bobbyjo Bistro Handicap Chase aboard Persian Wind at Fairyhouse.

Dempsey was sidelined for two months after fracturing his left ankle in a fall at Punchestown in November and only returned to action last weekend.

Persian Wind, who was very weak in the market and went off a friendless 16/1 chance, was recording his fifth career win and second this season.

The ten-year-old gelding, trained by the winning rider’s father Philip, was sent on over half a mile out in this 3m1f event and asserted approaching the last.

However, the well-backed 11/4 favourite Ask And Answer was narrowing the gap rapidly in the closing stages and got to within three quartes of a length at the line.

Kayf Thou appeared to be travelling well early in the straight but could only keep on at one pace another two lengths back in third.

Philip Dempsey said, “That was great and it's great to have Luke back.

“The horse has no real pedigree but I think the grand-dam won a point-to-point. We had tried everything with him and this race arrived so we took our chance. He was in good form, he's had his little issues, but on his day he's not so bad and has won plenty of money for Robert (Honner, owner).

“We know he gets the three miles now so we'll tip away with him and probably mix it a bit with hurdles as well. He might struggle a bit out of his grade.

“I enjoyed today for Luke more than anything. He had it tough and it's great to have him back. He got back quicker than we thought.”

(GC & AM)