Winning return for Back In Front

Leading Smurfit Champion Hurdle hope Back In Front made a winning return to action on the Flat at Navan today.

The Edward O’Grady-trained seven-year-old was sent off at 9-2 for the Kilnaleck Maiden over two miles and travelled well throughout for Jamie Spencer before staying on in good style to account for Akilana by three and a half lengths.

It was a pleasing effort by the Bob Back gelding, who was having his first start since December last year.

Ladbrokes were suitably impressed and cut his odds for hurdling’s blue riband to 14-1 joint third-favourite from 16s.

Reigning champion Hardy Eustace is 7-1 favourite from 8s.