THE talented Dr Mikey (10/1) was produced off a 140-day break in rare order by trainer Margaret Flynn to floor the 1/4 favourite Stratum in the four-runner Kerrymaid Hurdle. The lightly-raced 10-year-old had 8lbs to find with the market leader on ratings but on his day is a very smart sort, and his last win saw him account for the high-class A Plus Tard in a Gowran beginners’ chase last winter.

Dr Mikey bowled along in front for Donie McInerney and jumped superbly with the result that the favourite was starting to labour turning for home. Stratum, who was reported to have never travelled, almost got upsides at one point but the Santry Power Walsh Syndicate-owned gelding was unyielding at all stages and prevailed by half a length.

“This two and a half miles and the ease in the ground suited him well and I’m thrilled to see him back. He’s not the easiest to place and I’d like to try him over fences again as it would give him more options,” reported Margaret Flynn.

Gordon Elliott made it 49 winners for the season in the €40,000 Kerry Group Handicap Chase as The Big Lense (10/1) turned in a career-best in the two-and-a-half-mile feature. This J.P. McManus-owned gelding wasn’t at his best on his last two starts but he made a resounding return from almost two months off under Galway Plate-winning rider Luke Dempsey. The six-year-old jumped impeccably and travelled well en route to a polished two-and-a-quarter-length victory over Cabaret Queen.

“He’s always been a horse with ability and it’s good to see him do that. Luke was very good on him and now he’s got his head back in front he might be able to build on this,” commented Elliott.