Kennedy back with a bang on Maple Lawn

Paddy Kennedy returned from injury with a winner on board Maple Lawn in the opening mares' maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

The five-year-old mare got a lovely run round the inside after the last and scooted up the hill to win by a length and three parts at 6/1. Irish Lass the 8/11 favourite, couldn't reel her in and had to settle for second.

She came in two and a quarter lengths in front of Isle Of Destiny (10/1).

Paddy Kennedy said: "Ricky Doyle's horse (Sunrise Lady) was jumping mad left so I said if I just bide my time to the last I knew she would stay well. I thought if Ricky's jumped left at the last I would get a run up the inner and it suited me.

"I had loads of horse under me, she's not a bad little filly. It's great for the owner, Joe Doyle, who has a nice winter horse in Forge Meadow and now has a nice summer horse in Maple Lawn.

"I'd imagine there might be a race for her in Galway - she handled Downpatrick so she'll definitely handle Galway. That could be the summer plan for her.

"Jessica (Harrington) was very good to give me the ride. It's unfortunate for Robbie Power as he went for a shoulder operation yesterday. Today is my first day back after I was concussed from a fall in Wexford three weeks ago. That was my first ride back.

"It's lovely ground out there, it is on the slow side of good."