Pineau shines after long lay-off Pineau De Re defied a 926-day absence to run out a stylish winner of the two-mile maiden hurdle at Limerick. The French-bred had shown plenty of ability in bumpers, including when seventh at the Cheltenham festival, but had not run since May 2008. Philip Fenton had the seven-year-old well tuned for his return and he cruised into contention along with 9/4f Zagman going to the second last. Brian O'Connell had plenty of gears left on his mount however and he quickened up smartly before the last to go on for a cosy five-length success in the colours of Barry Connell. "It's great to get him back on the track. The plan was just to get him started back and I was more anxious to start back at two miles although I think he'll be better over further," said Fenton. "Overall his jumping was very good. We're in no great rush with him but I could look at one of the novice hurdles back here at Christmas. "He broke down after he ran at the Curragh and was given a year off. He scanned clear last December but Barry decided just to let him off till the summer. "That was probably the most sensible thing to do and fair dues to him as he has been very patient."
