Brian Hayes made a triumphant return after two months on the sidelines as he steered Kilkishen to victory in the Belfast Live Hurdle at Down Royal on Monday.

Hayes broke his pelvis in a schooling fall in early March but returned from that absence in a blaze of glory as the 5-1 shot Kilkishen held Danielle's Journey by a length.

Winning trainer Shark Hanlon said: "I'm thrilled for Brian as it is his first day back after eight weeks out with a pelvis. He is dedicated to his job - even when he was hurt he was in and about the yard.

"He's a big chaser. We thought we would only run him once over hurdles but we'll see. It was a lovely pot. That's his trip.

"We thought last year he didn't stay three miles but he is a stronger horse than he was and he might now. He'll be a nice horse for the summer and he'll improve for the run.

"I've only had six or seven runners since October as I have a lot of summer horses. I'm hoping they are not going to keep watering the ground as they did today as people who have summer horses deserve summer ground. Brian said it wouldn't be better than yielding."

In relation to Hanlon's comments about watering, track manager Mike Todd advised Watering was declared with Horse Racing Ireland.

One jockey who was in the wars was Donagh Meyler, who had a suspected fracture of his left hand after a fall from Round Tower in the same race.

Denis O'Reagan partnered a winner for his new retained owner Barry Connell as Hurricane Darwin lifted the Monty's Pass Beginners Chase.

The jockey said: "Of the new season, it's the first ride for Barry (Connell) and it is nice to have a winner. He was a bit green but is learning his job. He should have a future."

Winning trainer Alan Fleming added: "He's a nice horse and he did it well. He jumped very cleverly for him. Denis said he would be better in a better race.

"Barry said he will go to Killarney for a winners of one over two-miles-six-furlongs. He has plenty of schooling done since his fall and is a brave horse."

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