Fil Dor proved very tough in front as he recorded a hard fought victory in the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park.

The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding was switching back to the smaller obstacles today having been well held in Grade 1 company over fences at the Dublin Racing festival.

Jordan Gainford bounced his mount out in front in the two-miler but was joined by stablemate Doctor Bravo in the same Caldwell Construction colours, two from home.

That rival came under pressure after a mistake two from home and 4/7 favourite Sharjah looked the most likely winner as he travelled smoothly to challenge at that penultimate flight.

Willie Mullins' charge was asked for maximum effort going to the last, however, as Fil Dor found plenty for pressure.

The 4/1 shot dug deep on the run-in to post a half-length winning margin over the hotpot with Doctor Bravo plugging on again, a length back in third.

Gainford said:- "He is a smart horse who had a little blip the last day over fences and it is great to see him come back and enjoy it. You could scratch his last run as it wasn't himself and he got into a lovely rhythm out there today.

"He jumped very well and when it came down to the battle, he saved plenty for it."

Assistant trainer Ian 'Busty' Amond added:- "he didn't look like he was in love with the fences the last day so Gordon and Andy (Brown, Caldwell Construction Ltd) decided to come back over hurdles to get confidence back into him.

"He'll probably stay down the hurdles route now after today and we'll see what Gordon says about running at Cheltenham.

“There is plenty of time to go back over fences later on but after winning there you'd be surprised if he goes back over fences this season."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)