Riverside City (farside) is driven out by Mark Walsh to fend off the challenge of Give Her Bach© Photo Healy Racing
The Gordon Elliott trained Riverside City justified some late market support as he took the opener at Gowran, the Goresbridge Maiden Hurdle.
Available at 13/8 this morning, the son of Presenting opened on-course at 15/8 before being backed into 5/4 favouritism at the off.
Settled in mid-division by Mark Walsh he made progress to lead approaching the straight and he was ridden after the second last.
A mistake at the last didn't help his cause but he battled well on the run-in to hold off the challenge of Give Her Bach by half a length.
The runner-up was returned at 66/1 under Pierce Gallagher for Patrick Cronin, while Redrobin completed the placings a further six lengths back in third at 11/1 (20/1 this morning) under Sean Flanagan for Harry Kelly. Gone Platinum who was the early morning favourite at 5/4, went off the second choice of punters at 6/4 and he finished a disappointing fifth under Andrew Lynch for Henry De Bromhead.
Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "He made a bit of a mistake at the last. It wasn’t the greatest race and he would want to improve from that.
"He probably wouldn't mind getting his toe in a bit more. He’ll stay hurling for the moment and he probably won’t go chasing until next year."
The victorious five-year-old chestnut, who is out of dual Listed winner over hurdles Blazing Sky, was getting off the mark over flights today on his fifth attempt.
STEWARDS REPORTS
K.C. Sexton, rider of Mikeys Dream trained by Paul W. Flynn, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise in running, made a mistake at the last and was pulled up.
R.M. Power, rider of A Tipp For Rosie trained by Mrs Denise Foster, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up lame.
The Stewards enquired into an incident after the last hurdle involving Redrobin, ridden by S.W. Flanagan, placed third and Meldrum Lad ridden by B.R. Dalton, placed fourth, where it appeared Meldrum Lad suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion S.W. Flanagan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having taken his record into account, they cautioned him accordingly.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
