The Jessica Harrington-trained Jowango made a winning return to action when claiming the opener at Kilbeggan tonight.

Andrew Leigh burst through to lead after the second last, on the gelding, but he had a battle on his hands in the closing stages.

11/8 favourite Gentle Noel pushed him hard to the line, getting within a head at the death.

"I'm thrilled with him. He was promising last year but was coming back from a long break (November last year)," said Harrington.

"He loves that good ground and came back fresh. I thought he would get tired and he did but the sharp track suited."