Prendergast opens seasonal account a day after Madhmoon's Derby second

Twenty-four hours after almost writing one of the most heartwarming chapters in the rich history of the Derby with Madhmoon, 86-year-old Kevin Prendergast opened his account for the season with Risaalaat in the 7f fillies’ maiden.

Prendergast has had his licence since 1963 and admitted his heart was beating faster than normal a furlong out at Epsom as Madhmoon hit the front under Chris Hayes, but he had to settle for second behind Anthony Van Dyck.

It served as notice that the Prendergast stable was back in top form and Risaalaat emphasised the point further with a decisive four-length win despite being allowed to go off at 14-1.