First jumps success for Donnacha O’Brien as Kilmeaden springs Punchestown surprise

Kilmeaden collared 4-11 favourite Madness d’Elle at the final flight before edging clear to score by two and a quarter lengths

NOT FOR CATCHING: Kilmeaden and JJ Slevin win the Matchbook 50:50 Graduation Series 4-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown. Picture: Healy Racing

Donnacha O’Brien wrote another chapter into the O’Brien/Crowley family history when registering his first success over jumps with Kilmeaden in the opening Matchbook 50:50 Graduation Series 4-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown.

A first runner over obstacles for the Group 1-winning trainer when he was brought down at Limerick over Christmas, Kilmeaden responded to JJ Slevin’s driving to collar front-running, 4-11 favourite Madness d’Elle at the final flight before edging clear to score by two and a quarter lengths.