A big leap from Bonzo Bing at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Champion jockey Davy Russell landed a double at Gowran Park highlighted by the victory of Bonzo Bing in the 29 Gold Packages For Racing Rated Novice Hurdle.
Set to receive 3lb from the classy mare Vicky De L'Oasis Bill Harney's improving six-year-old was sent off a 4-1 shot and challenged at the same time as the favourite, jumping the final two flights alongside her.
The pair settled down for a duel on the run-in and it was Bonzo Bing who proved the stronger, Russell getting him home half a length in front.
The jockey initiated his double when he climbed aboard Upstager for the first time in the 19 Silver Packages For Racing Maiden Hurdle, taking it up going to the last on Pat Colville's 10-1 shot and forging four and a quarter lengths clear to win with some authority.
Gigginstown's Allied Victory (11-1) had not made the best start to his jumps career with just one completion from three runs, but it all came together in the Gowran Centenary Year Maiden Hurdle.
Brian O'Connell was soon in front on Mouse Morris's gelding and he had the race in the bag turning into the straight before beating stablemate The Mystro by four lengths, with odds-on favourite Shield never able to get on terms back in third.
Morris and Gigginstown made it a brace when 5-2 favourite Carry Each Other kept going strongly from the front to take the Holiday In Kilkenny Handicap Chase by five and a half lengths under Kevin Sexton.
Ken Budds' mare Kates Benefit (4-7 favourite) had solid form in the book going into the Centenary Weekend Celebrations June 21st & 22nd Mares Beginners Chase and Danny Mullins wasn't hanging about, leading all the way and coasting in four and three-quarter lengths clear.
Eddie Harty's Sort It Out had plenty to do jumping the last in the www.gowranpark.ie Handicap Hurdle, but the 8-1 shot flew up the run-in under Alan Crowe to collar Leavethelighton and win by three-quarters of a length.
