Golden Flowerpower shines in Roscommon

Golden Flowerpower saw off a prolonged challenge from Theatre Wine to oblige in the mares' maiden hurdle over two miles at Roscommon.

Golden Flowerpower made all under Mark Walsh but they were pursued by Theatre Wine and Ruby Walsh who closed on the home bend. They were clear of the remainder.

The leader was shaken up by Mark Walsh after the third last while Ruby Walsh switched to the inside to deliver his challenge on Theatre Wine.

Both horses were ridden after the penulitmate hurdle with Golden Flowerpower holding a very narrow lead jumping the last.

The pair were locked together on the run-in with Golden Flowerpower hitting the line first to prevail by a short head.

The winner was returned the 15/8 second favourite from the 8/11 jolly.

There was a gap of 27 lengths back to third-placed Scottish Academy (40/1).

Trainer Colin Bowe said: “We were fierce disappointed with her the last day in Gowran. We loved her going there and came away scratching our heads. We’re back on track now.

“Robbie (James) said then that she missed the break and never got going.

“We were worried a bit about the ground coming here but Mark stayed off the rail and she got away with it.

“She’s a nice filly and might go for a Listed hurdle.”

Golden Flowerpower had come home 19th of 20 runners in a Listed bumper at Gowran Park at the end of last month.

Today's runner-up, Theatre Wine, was making his first start for Gigginstown and Gordon Elliott having won a bumper at 33/1 for Sean Treacy in April.

Rosshaven Lady was a notable non runner due to the change in going.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson