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."
