Lady Bluebird makes all in Down Royal opener

Lady Bluebird landed the Fibrus Fibrefast Broadband Mares Maiden Hurdle at odds of 9/2.

A bumper winner at Punchestown in December, the daughter of Retirement Plan made all under Eoghan Finegan. Pressed by Milanaway on the run to the last, the winner was more fluent over it and stretched away on the run-in to account for that rival by five lengths.

The seven-year-old is trained by the winning rider's uncle, Hugh.

Eoghan Finegan said: "She was actually meant to go to the Sales a week before that (Punchestown) and we kind of eased off on her. She wasn't sold and we said we would run her anyway, she just blew up turning in. They were good horses we were taking on.

"We knew we had her fit today and it was a weak enough contest, so we thought we would pick up.

"She's hardy and she probably wants it even softer, she's as tough as you get and clear winded. She is hard on herself at home, but she is tough and jumps for fun.

"She has been very good to me and I'm delighted. She was brilliant to me and I'd be lost without her - it is hard to get going these days.

"I'd say he (Hugh Finegan) will probably put her away now, but you wouldn't know with the rain we are having - anything could happen.

"I'd say when the spark comes out of her a wee bit she will stay further because all she does is gallop.

"I thought the ground was yielding, she was rattling off it. It is lovely ground."

Owner James Finegan (father of the jockey) added: "She could be on the market!

"She is in good form at the minute and he (jockey) was delighted with her."

Quotes from Michael Graham