Hudson's Bay provided Thomond O'Mara with a welcome winner when gaining the day in the opening Limerick Racecourse Family Fun Day Maiden Hurdle.

The Phillip Enright-ridden 2/1 joint favourite Hudson's Bay got the better of a duel up the straight with Seven Nation Army a length and three parts splitting them at the finish.

"He had a good run the last day - he jumped a little awkwardly but with natural improvement over hurdles he improved and was a good bit slicker today," stated O'Mara.

"He'll go to Killarney for the novice hurdle on the last day and then go to Galway."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined MacBride trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be making an abnormal respiratory noise post race.

(TW & EM)