Golden Ticket got favourite backers off to a good start at Gowran Park this afternoon when staying on best on the run-in to take the two and a quarter miles Goresbridge Maiden Hurdle under Alan Crowe.

The Christy Roche-trained gelding and Battling Boru (13/2) were separated by the width of the track when in the air together at the final flight but it was the 7/4 favourite who found plenty racing on the far rail to prevail by three and a half lengths. Mister First (8/1), who held every chance earlier in the straight, was a further nine lengths back in third, while the well-backed Clouded Thoughts (5/2-15/8) cut out a lot of the running but folded quickly after the second last to finish fourth.

Frank Berry, representing successful owner J P McManus, said: “He jumped away well, and will keep going over the summer. He's going the right way and will get further in time, although he'll stay at that trip for the moment.”

Alan Magee