Nil Bua Gan Dua lands Gowran feature Nil Bua Gan Dua (there's no victory without hardship) made all under Dylan Browne McMonagle to win the featured John Fleming Irish EBF Marble City Stakes at Gowran Park. Wearing first-time cheekpieces, the Austin Whelan and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing-owned colt was sent off 5/1 in the Listed contest over a mile and a half. Finding plenty when challenged early in the straight, the son of American Pharoah stayed on strongly to score by a short-head from stablemate Vauntingly. "His focus was much better today with the cheekpieces," said winning trainer Joseph O'Brien. "Ryan (Moore) just felt he was waiting in front the last time (at Newmarket). I thought he won impressively today. It was a great run from the filly who finished second as well. Delighted to get some black-type with her. "I'd say he'll go into a Group race now. I think there's more to come from him, he's quite a good horse. We've always tried him quite highly and always had good thoughts about him, and he's not finished yet." Additional reporting by John O'Riordan
