Kevin Sexton rode his first winner since May 2018 in the Grade Three Seamus Weldon John Deere An Riocht Chase at Killarney aboard course specialist Peregrine Run

The former champion conditional had been on the side-lines for a sizeable portion of the time since and had an operation on his wrist when he was off.

A length and three parts covered the four participants at the finish and the Peter Fahey-trained Peregrine Run held on by a nose from Jett

Peregrine Run was an 8/13 chance but he only just got it done as Jett and Mrs Lovett finished off well.

Jessica Harrington trains Jett, and she was also responsible for the final finisher, Don't Touch It

"It's great for Kevin as he has had issues and is back working with me for three or four weeks. He has his head down now and fingers crossed he can go on from here and get back to where he was a couple of years ago. He is a great rider and hopefully every thing goes right for him now. He will be a big asset for the yard," said Fahey.

“He had an operation on his wrist at Christmas and today was his first day back; he was going to start back on Saturday and I said to leave it to today as I had Peregrine and Room To Roam (in the opener). Also a big thanks must go to the owners for giving Kevin the spin.

Regarding Peregrine Run, Fahey added “he is a proper horse for the yard and is a great servant. My heart was in my mouth through the race as he was never travelling and Kevin said the ground was a bit dead for him; they have done a great job watering the track and he probably likes it a bit quicker.

“I put him in both races today (also an earlier conditions' hurdle) and when I saw there were only three or four with a few minutes to go (before declaration time), I said I'd go for this. We still have the option of running in a conditions' hurdle which is the easy target and he won't go to Galway as he has never performer there. He could come back here in July.” 

The Stewards interviewed J.S. McGarvey, rider of Don't Touch It, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.S. McGarvey was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards cautioned J.S. McGarvey on this occasion.

The Stewards interviewed K.C. Sexton, rider of Peregrine Run, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that K.C. Sexton was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards cautioned K.C. Sexton on this occasion.

(TW & EM)