There was obviously a share of people with their attention on the Gowranpark.ie Rated Race as the majority of eyes focused on Croke Park. Castle Guest found 4/1 from an opening show of 13/2 and he achieved success under local lad Shane 'Dusty' Foley.

Michael Halford 's runner was favourite at that and he ran out a two and a quarter length victor from Dermot Weld's 12/1 chance Magnolia Ridge

Halford has care of Castle Guest for his long-standing patron Paul Rooney and the Copper Beach Stables handler reflected: "He's a grand big horse and that's his trip. We tried him over a bit further in Killarney in a better class race but he probably didn't stay.

"He likes to bowl along and he's a fierce genuine horse.

"He's been well schooled at home and he'll run over hurdles sooner rather than later." (AM & EM)