Mangans strike Gold at Thurles

His dam Windy Bee was a useful mare winning five races and Gold Cygnet himself a point-to-point winner, got off the mark on the track by making all in the Holy Cross Maiden Hurdle under Paddy Mangan.

Trained by Paddy's father, Jimmy, the son of Beneficial, bred and owned by Conna Castle connections, Dungarvan pair John Kiely and Matthew Curran, never looked likely to be reeled-in by the well-backed favourite, Siberian Tiger (6/4 into 10/11). The margin between them at the line was two and a half lengths.

Mangan commented: "He is a half-brother to Wind Instrument (has won six races to date). He won his point-to-point in Liscarroll and Peddlers Cross (big Cheltenham hope) won the other division that day. He is a big chaser in the making."