Nolan's newcomer wins Gowran opener

Plenty held chances turning for home in the first division of the Goresbridge Maiden Hurdle before the well-supported debutant Backintheroom (9s into 10/3 before the off) took command on the run to the last.

Despite running green, the rangy son of Shantou found enough for Richie Deegan to hold on by half a length from 100/1 outsider Kerosine Light with 5/2 joint-favourite Ney staying on again for third having totally lost his place after three out.

James Nolan, assistant to winning trainer Paul Nolan, said: “He’s a lovely horse, a future chaser.

“It’s obviously not ideal to lose your novice status with a winter horse at this time of the year but his owner is a great supporter of the yard and said if a future chaser is what he is there is no harm in doing that sooner rather than later.

“He has a great attitude and Richie said he was green throughout the race. He said that he had loads of horse and is a lovely horse going forward.”

The winner is a half-brother to the stable’s Pertemps Handicap Hurdle heroine Mrs Milner.

Quotes from Alan Magee