The County Kilkenny syndicate, the CVK grouping, enjoyed a winner to savour when their Bigwood made a winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Gowran.

In-form pair John Feane and David Simmonson combined with this Requinto gelding and himself and the odds-on favourite Music Box went clear of their field to fight it out at the business end.

Bigwood was a market mover at fancy prices when odds went up initially, and eventually returned a 14/1 chance he got the better of Ballydoyle's Music Box by a length. Spiritual Law ended up nine and a half lengths back in third.

"He's a beautiful big horse. I thought he would be a bit green today and come on for the run. He's still very immature mentally. He has loads of ability and I think he's a really good horse," stated Feane.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Discovery Lad ridden by R. Coakley, and trained by J.P. Murtagh.

Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. R. Coakley, stated that his horse was drawn wide and he had the option of either jumping early or slotting in.

The horse was ridden forward last time and didn't finish out his race so chose to ride a more waiting race today. He dropped in, got his mount balanced and running, used his whip in the straight, angled off the rail and pushed his mount out hands and heels to the line.

Caroline Murtagh, Authorised Representative of J.P. Murtagh, expressed herself to be satisfied with the ride.

She was unsure about the horse's favoured ground conditions as they were still learning about the horse.

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer which stated that this horse was found to blowing hard post race and to have a nasal discharge from both nostrils, possibly as a result of kickback.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations.

(AM & EM)