The demise of Clarior Ex Obscuro before the straight in the Gain (C & G) Maiden Hurdle at Gowran was an unfortunate aspect to race two, but we had an exciting conclusion as Smitty Bacall ultimately prevailed.

Barry Geraghty got the winner up between Judgement Day (3rd) and Zaofu (2nd) close home to shade the verdict by a head and a short head.

Winning trainer Shay Barry said: "That's great now. He had a couple of grand runs but missed all last season due to a hoof injury.

"It's great that he has come back, and his last couple of runs were good runs.

"Barry gave him a super ride, it was tight but Barry thought he was up. He stays well and is from a good staying family.

"I'm after being lucky with them, his half-sister (Palm Sur) won two bumpers and was second in a Listed bumper.

"I'd say the boys will be keen to go to Galway now so he might go for the novice hurdle there early in the week."

P. Townend, rider of Glorious Legend trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Glorious Legend, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race and to have pulled a right fore shoe.

The Stewards enquired from C. A. Landers, rider of Clarior Ex Obscuro, who fell on the flat in this race. C. A. Landers reported that his mount sustained an injury in running and fell as a consequence. Having viewed a recording of the incident and considered the report, the Stewards took no further action.

(DM & EM)