Main talking point of the day at Gowran today was the defeat of Marbeuf in the Gowran Park Racing Club Novice Hurdle, with Dusty Diamond arriving late to head the well backed 4/7 favourite for a head win.
Marbeuf had gained plenty of supporters following an impressive winning hurdle debut at the track last month but found no more when strong finishing Dusty Diamond was produced with perfect timing by James O'Farrell.
Dusty Diamond, himself having only his third start over hurdles, is trained by Michael Fitzgerald and the 72 rated Flat performer looks to have a decent future over jumps.
The opening Go Racing In The South East 3YO Hurdle went to Dusty Sheehy's King Of Merlia, under a well judged ride from Mike Darcy.
However, King Of Merlia eventually survived a steward's enquiry, having come across runner-up Kells Castle in the closing stages.
Liam Burke's yard are in fine form at present and he saddled Thyne Again to win the Christmas Vouchers At Gowran Golf Shop Maiden Hurdle.
Navan trainer Michael Cunningham recorded a double at the meeting, with Barry Geraghty producing Laurendean with a well timed run to defeat Mr Aussie in the closing stages of the Santa's Little Helper Maiden Hurdle.
Later in the afternoon, Cunningham's Patsy Hall held on under Joey Elliott to deny Geraghty a double of his own, on fast finishing runner-up Drummer First.
Jockey Davy Russell partnered eight winners last week and was on board Thyne Again here, racing in mid division before making steady headway approaching in the straight.
However, at the last Thyne Again was only fourth but the son of Good Thyne stayed on strongly to head 1/1f Dinarobin close home.
Five pound claimer Robbie Moran has done well since turning professional and he was on board Paul Nolan's Lady Kate Ellen, 11/1 winner of the Under The Mistletoe Mares Handicap Hurdle.
