Spancil Hill relishes conditions at Gowran

Spancil Hill followed up a Punchestown win over the same 2m4f trip last month when taking the Ballyhale Shamrocks & Mullinavat GAA Supporters Day At Gowran Park Handicap Hurdle.

The testing conditions proved too much for most of the 13-runner field but the eight-year-old Flemensfirth gelding appeared to relish the heavy ground.

Cathal Landers’ mount travelled well to lead approaching the straight, and stretched right away to settle the issue before the last.

The 13/2 chance kept on strongly to beat top-weight Rooster Byron by 16 lengths, with Back Bar the same distance further back in third.

Winning trainer Michael McDonagh said, “This is a lucky track for us and we've always got a few winners here.

“They need time and when you give it to them they tend to improve. He's by Flemensfirth and they can get through that ground.”

(GC & AM)