Jockey Davy Russell teamed up with trainer Ken Budds to win the opening Follow Kilbeggan On Facebook Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan today with Here For The Craic

The winning son of Millenary was sent clear of his rivals before the second last flight and from there stayed on for a comfortable success over 9/4 favourite and maiden Spot Fine which was finishing second for the eighth time in his luckless career thus far.

Following the win, Budds stated “on paper he was the best in the race - he just had to go and do it.

“He loves that ground and if it was actually quicker for him, it'd be better as he really wants top of the ground. He'll probably go for a novice now but anything he wins now (over hurdles) is a bonus as he'll probably be better over fences in time and will go chasing next year. He should stay 2m4f if we drop him in, but I imagine we won't go any further.

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson