Tonaghneave Well and Keith Donoghue© Photo Healy Racing
The Gavin Cromwell trained Tonaghneave Well made his experience count when just doing enough to land a dramatic running of the Xenon Security Maiden Hurdle at Gowran Park.
With 2/5f Mr Percy departing at the first flight, the whole complexion of the race changed from very early on. Rapparee Champ led after the first but was headed by Grey Fable soon after the next. The latter then faced some nervous moments as the loose horse caused interference out in front.
Keith Donoghue tracked the pace on Tonaghneave Well, moving up to join the leader on the approach to two out.
Even after the Cromwell trained gelding went on after the final flight, there was still time for one further piece of drama, as Jane Eire came with a strong late run to get within a short head at the line.
“It was a messy race and we had the experience. I was lucky at the first,” said Keith Donoghue.
“I dropped my stick going to the last and he was having a good look so thankfully I held on. He was being a little bit lairy but experience probably won it for him.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
