Rathlin has always been held in the height of regard by his connections and the Kayf Tara gelding went some way towards justifying that opinion when landing the Great Oak Maiden Hurdle at Gowran.

As was the case in race one on the programme, the market got this one wrong too as Sicilian Secret (6/4 this morning into 8/11) found little again as Rathlin (11/10 this morning out to 15/8) stayed on much the better from two out to score by four lengths.

Winning trainer Philip Rothwell commented of the Gigginstown House Stud-owned and Davy Russell-ridden victor: "He scoped very poorly after Clonmel (2nd there to Definite Class). I was gutted but my horses were very sick around that time.

"I think the world of him and his owners, Gigginstown have supported me very well. I think he's the type of horse that would be better in a championship race where they'd go a better pace."