Behan delivers on Tarkesar
And Behan duly obliged on the son of Desert Prince, making all the running and looking in command up the straight before justifying 11/10 favouritism at the expense of chief market rival Much Reality.
Earlier, Never Will, unraced since finishing down the field in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot last year, made a successful Irish debut in the Kilfane Handicap.
Trained last year by Mark Johnston, Never Will is now trained by Eoin Griffin and defied top weight in workmanlike style, making much of the early running before being headed and battling bravely for a hard-earned victory over Soranna.
In the other flat action Hanicor, which has been campaigning over hurdles, landed a shock in the opening Stroan Handicap. This four-year-old, trained by Frances Crowley, was ridden by Declan McDonogh and will follow a mixed programme over the summer months.
Former champion Ruby Walsh is in tremendous form and recorded an easy success on 6/4 favourite Emmpat in the Kilmurry Maiden Hurdle. Off the track since last September, Emmpat travelled strongly throughout and eased to the front at the second-last hurdle to record a comfortable three-lengths victory over Welcome Attraction.
In-form trainer Tony Mullins, who trains across the road from the Gowran track, will look for a suitable novice hurdle for the winner while also hoping to win a flat maiden with him.
Former champion amateur Niall “Slippers” Madden registered his fifth success since joining the professional ranks when even money favourite Duneden landed the Garryduff Maiden Hurdle.
The Noel Meade-trained gelding had to work hard for victory, getting the better of stable companion Flaming James on the run-in.
Out of action for a long time due to injury, Robbie Colgan savoured a welcome success on the Ger Lyons-trained Lucky Spirit in the Dunbell Handicap Hurdle while Shane Donohoe provided the bookmakers with some cheer in the bumper when saddling Mill House Girl to record a 20/1 debut success under 7lb claimer Andrew Duff.
