Epsom Derby long-shot Southern Lights made a winning reappearance at Leopardstown today,

landing the Leopardstown Annual Members (C & G) Maiden for trainer Joseph O'Brien and jockey Declan McDonogh.

The son of Sea The Stars, second on debut at Naas last September, was the morning favourite and while Ballydoyle's King Of The Castle was the one for money on the show (9/4 — 13/8f), that rival managed fourth as Southern Lights, returned 4/1, beat runner-up Hell Bent by 2.75L.

Winning trainer O'Brien was represented by assistant Brendan Powell who later commented “he’s a nice horse and it was a good performance. His first run last year (at Naas) was good.

“I think Joseph is keen to go for one of the Derby Trials with him. He hit the line well and he’d be better with a stronger gallop. He was brave getting up the inner.

“All ours are improving for a run. He’s a good block of a horse and you would like to think he will come on.”

Southern Lights is a general 66/1 chance for the Epsom Classic.

Quotes from Alan Magee