Battling Track takes the spoils

THE Charlie Swan-trained Make A Track emerged victorious after a tremendous battle with front-running Ceol Rua in the Goresbridge Novice Hurdle in Gowran Park yesterday.

The Hernando gelding, in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud, fought tenaciously under strong handling from Davy Russell (recording his 72nd win of the season), to get the better of the Willie Mullins-trained mare, on which Ruby Walsh had attempted to make all.

Make A Track, reverting to two miles, over which he won his maiden at Punchestown, earned the spoils by a head, prompting trainer Swan to acknowledge: “He’s workmanlike and good, but not top-class,” before explaining “It’s tough for a horse like this after winning his maiden — there are too many good horses around !