Viscount Gort bounced back from a disappointing effort to open his account in fine style at Thurles this afternoon.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding had been a promising second on his debut, over timber, at Cork in December.

He had finished last of seven in a Fairyhouse bumper in mid-January however on his only subsequent outing.

Back over jumps today the 2/1 shot left that behind, tracking Enniskerry before taking over from the 11/8 favourite four out as that rival weakened and soon pulled up. Fortune Street was the danger turning for home but couldn't live with Viscount Gort in the closing stages as the Gigginstown gelding galloped on strongly to post a five-and-a-half length win under Rachael Blackmore.

The winning rider said afterwards:- "it was a good performance. He ran well the first day in Cork and I think he is a real chaser in the making.

"He is a big horse and it was great to get that done but we'll see the best of him over fences."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)