Prairie Dancer battles back to win Bellewstown opener

Prairie Dancer got back up close home to snugly land the opening Bar One Racing Quick Deposit & Withdraw Novice Hurdle at Bellewstown.

Always racing prominently under JJ Slevin, a big jump two out saw the Joseph O'Brien trained gelding move easily into the lead.

He momentarily looked in trouble as Douglas Dc came out of the pack to throw down a strong challenge but the winner found an extra gear and quickened up to win with a bit in hand.

The front two home occupied the same positions at Ballinrobe last time but despite the narrow winning margin on this occasion Prairie Dancer confirmed the placings easily.

JJ Slevin said: "It was (a fair effort under the double penalty) and he's a right horse. He has danced every dance and been to Cheltenham, and it was a good performance.

"He has Galway coming up and I'm sure Joseph has an option with both codes. It will be interesting to see what he does with him."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham