Fegan makes successful return after 3 years

Melbourne Lady brought Armagh trainer Paddy Fegan back to the winners’ enclosure where he opened his account exactly three years ago when taking the Sponsors Day At Ballinrobe Mares Maiden Hurdle in impressive fashion.

Fegan, however, is without a winner since Mac’s Conflict landed a handicap hurdle at this meeting in 2011, having taken out a licence the previous year.

Melbourne Lady made virtually all and, after being headed briefly by 11/8 favourite Painted Lady after the second last, quickly took control on the home turn under Matty Bowes.

The 8/1 chance stayed on really well in the straight to beat the ‘jolly’ by eight and a half lengths, with Supreme Benefit in third.

Fegan said, “This is my second winner and my first was here exactly three years ago today! Melbourne Lady is the only horse I had in training during the summer but had four or five last winter and have a few young ones now.

“This means everything to me and she has come on very well on her last few starts. I imagine she'll go handicapping next."

(TW &AM)