"We were a little worried about the ground but Andrew (Lynch) kept him well wide," said winning trainer Vincent Halley after Mr Picotee (20s into 12s) scored on his first outing in 223 days in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan. Jaime Sommers shaped well in this two miler from the second last, but when Mr Picotee appeared on the scene in the straight he was travelling even better.

Mr Picotee asserted on the run-in for a two and a quarter length win.

The successful handler elaborated: "He hasn't run in a good while so he probably ran well fresh. He's always had a bit of ability but he's had a few issues. In fairness to the owner, Tom Fleming, he's been very patient.

"We might go for another hurdle, we'll see what the handicapper does to him for that.

"I see no reason why he couldn't bounce out quick enough again.

"I think he's best on good ground, obviously the rain came at the wrong time but he got away with it. He's a summer horse."

D.N. Russell, rider of Dollar And A Dream trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped poorly.

(GC & EM)