On a trying day for everyone at Gowran Black Zambezi returns in triumph under Patrick Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Colm Murphy's Black Zambezi (a half-brother to 2009 Irish National winner Niche Market) looked a nice horse on debut as he landed the concluding 100 Years Racing (Pro/Am) INH Flat at Gowran under Patrick Mullins.
The well-touted Kalanisi gelding went off the 7/4 favourite but he looked like he had work on to pick up the second market choice, Shay Barry's first-timer, Whiskey No Ice who went for home under Nina Carberry in the final quarter mile.
However Black Zambezi did the needful and despite Mullins dropping his reins inside the final furlong he still got up to triumph by half a length.
In a good sign for Black Zambezi and runner-up Whiskey No Ice, they left Glenstile seven and a half lengths back in third.
Murphy stated: "He always showed us plenty at home. I was a little bit afraid being his debut and it would have been greenness that would have beat him.
"I'm glad the rain came as I didn't want to run him on ground that was too fast. Hopefully he should improve plenty from it.
"I'd say he probably will go for a winners bumper now. He is a big raw fella, we will give him time and we won't be in any hurry to go jumping with him." (DM & EM)
