Lavender blooms at Gowran

Lady In Lavender opened her Flat account in some style when taking the first division of the apprentice handicap at Gowran under Joey Sheridan.

The Jeremy filly had run well to be placed on her last two outings over hurdles having joined Denis Hogan this summer.

Having her first outing on the level for her new handler she won easing down at the line.

Sheridan sent his mount into the lead a furlong-and-a-half from home in the mile contest and she pulled clear in the closing stages.

Her rider was pulling up at the post as the 4/1 joint-favourite recorded a five length victory. Harvey Specter finished second for pony champion Dylan Browne McMonagle on his racecourse debut.

"I'm not too sure how strong a race it was but she was entitled to do it at the weights and had run well over hurdles,” said Hogan.

"A mile or 1m2f is ideal for her and I was at the sales yesterday and only thought of double-entering her late so she isn't in next week.

“There is plenty of racing for her in the coming weeks and she likes an ease in the ground.

"Conor O'Brien is a good owner to have and we were unlucky with her in a good pot in Tramore, when she missed the last. She could also go back over hurdles at some stage soon."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)