Hes A Hardy Bloke 70th birthday winner for Noel Meade

The aptly-named Hes A Hardy Bloke winning the opener at Cork compensated Noel Meade for the fact that he didn't manage to blow out all the candles on his birthday cake today.

The seven-time champion trainer clocked up another milestone when he hit 70 this morning and got an early winner on the board for 2021.

Sean Flanagan partnered Hes A Hardy Bloke to an impressive win in the novice hurdle at Mallow for a third victory in the last five outings.

Flanagan missed the win at Punchestown three weeks ago due to injury when Jonathan Moore deputised.

One of those outings included a third place finish to subsequent Royal Bond Novice Hurdle winner Ballyadam.

"It's nice to get one for the birthday boy" remarked winning jockey Sean Flanagan.

Noel Meade tweeted

Well done to our owners & @swflanagan7 a nice birthday present