Meade and Eoin Walsh win Downpatrick's opener

Eoin Walsh produced Roseriver Has late-on to win the opening Down Royal Corporation Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick today, as the 7lbs claiming jockey steered his fourth career winner, all for his employer Noel Meade.

The son of Astrabad went in pursuit of clear leader Ya Boy Ya after the final flight and in the end got-up to lead close home and score a half length win.

Meade wasn't present and afterwards jockey Walsh said "he was 100 per cent today and he did it well, he stayed well and he jumped and travelled.

"I always thought I was getting there - when he met the rising ground he stayed all the way to the line.

"Some of his earlier runs were very good behind some nice horses. He might have just lost his way towards the end of last season. He seems to have found his stride again now.

"Noel (Meade) was confident - conditions were perfect for him."

Quotes from Michael Graham