Carberry back in the winners enclosure

Paul Carberry made a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure after he came home in front of the Visit Punchestown.com Maiden Hurdle aboard 11/4 shot Cottage Oak

Carberry who made all aboard the Flemensfirth gelding was clear entering the straight and the pair kept on well to score by a convincing eight lengths.

A delighted Noel Meade said afterwards: “I’m delighted for Paul [Carberry] as it’s been awhile since he rode a winner, he’s had a rough old time of it with injuries.”

“This lad probably should have won at the North, Davy [Condon] got left at the start and then two fell in front of him.”

“Two miles is probably too short for him, he lacks a bit of pace and all he does is stay. He needs quick ground and it’s taken me awhile to realise that.”

“He has had a few problems in the past, he went to Cheltenham with a chance and he came home lame, he pulled a ligament.”

“We will look for a two and half mile or three mile novice hurdle somewhere now and then maybe aim for Galway.”