Weld delighted as Refuse To Bend bounces back

REFUSE TO BEND made a highly-impressive return to action in the Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown yesterday.

The Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner was having his first race since his disappointing run in the Vodafone Derby, for which he started the 11-4 favourite but appeared not to stay the mile and a half.

Back over a mile yesterday he was sent off the 8-11 favourite and his supporters never had a moment’s worry. Pat Smullen settled the market leader in second place as stable companion Military Option cut out the running at a good pace.