Favourite Kafu wins opener on Ulster Derby Day

The market said Kafu (11/8 favourite) and Rangefield Express (11/4) were the ones to concentrate on for the opening Rainbow Communications Maiden at Down Royal and so it proved.

Kafu powered home in the closing stages under Colin Keane to put two and a quarter lengths between himself and Rangefield Express.

"He's after sharpening up a lot since the last day. He's a horse we actually thought a bit of so hopefully he can go forward now and progress," said Keane on the David Spratt and Sean Jones-owned and Ger Lyons-trained victor.

"We were drawn out (wide) a little bit but the run under his belt helped.

"He'll have no bother stepping up to six (furlongs) but between five and six for the moment."

(MG & EM)