Oh so smooth from Jesse Evans in Gowran opener By New Zealand-bred 10-time Group One winner in Australia and Europe, So You Think, Jesse Evans impressed in the Joe Bollard Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Gowran. He was good in his bumper at Listowel under the now retired Mark O’Hare, and the 11/10 favourite had no issue making the transition to the jumps game. Sean Flanagan was sitting pretty on Jesse Evans into the straight, and Noel Meade’s charge soon led. The four-year-old put in another lovely leap at the last, going on to easily defeat Wojood (16s into 9s) by eight lengths. “He came back from Listowel so well that we decided to turn him out again fairly quickly. He only lost three kilos and he put them on in a few days," said Meade. “He’s now won his bumper and maiden hurdle so we’ll give him a little time before he goes for something else. He jumps quick. “I don’t know how he will handle heavy ground but Sean said that was borderline quick enough for him. He’ll go for a winners’ race somewhere.” (AM & EM)
