Wicklow Brave and David Casey come clear from Jennies Jewel and Ronan Whelan© Photo Healy Racing
Wicklow Brave oozed the same class he did when running riot in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, when successful at the first attempt on the level, in the concluding Follow Gowran Park On Facebook Maiden.
That talented mare, Jennies Jewel looked like she might have her pursuers in trouble early in the straight, and she did, all except the well-backed 5/4 favourite, David Casey's mount, Wicklow Brave.
A son of Beat Hollow, who stands locally at Ballylinch Stud, Wicklow Brave reeled in Jennies Jewel from over a furlong out before going away to see that one, and Amazing Star, off, by two and three parts of a length and four lengths.
"He has been a little bit quirky at the start a couple of days over jumps but he had been in stalls at home and he was in them again yesterday. I rode him myself at home and he was fine," said Casey of the Willie Mullins performer.
"The race went smooth for me, he travelled great. The ground is not that bad, for me anyway. He quickened up well in the straight and he put it to bed once he got by the filly, and he galloped on well to the line.
"He had the ability going into the race to do that. I think he could be kept on the Flat for the summer. I haven't spoken to Willie but I don't think there is too many jump races for him over the summer given his rating.
"He has won his maiden here now and I think Willie can look at a few more Flat races for him now and see where he will progress to. He will handle nicer ground a bit better as well.
"He has done very well over hurdles and hopefully now he can go onwards and upwards on the Flat now as well." (DM & EM)
