Gowran Park report: National Emblem gets off the mark

Chris Hayes recorded a fine double, initiated by the victory of 6-4 favourite Touching Clouds

AWAY AND GONE: Chicago Lightening and Ben Coen win the Membership At Gowran Park Fillies Claiming Race. Picture: Healy Racing

Eighth in a hot Curragh maiden on his debut in June, the Jessica Harrington-trained National Emblem opened his account when producing a gutsy display to take the Irish EBF Supporting Irish Champions Weekend 2-Y-0 Maiden in Gowran Park.

Ridden prominently by Shane Foley, the National Defense colt edged ahead early in the straight and had to dig deep to hold the persistent challenge of longshot Lord Massusus by a half-length, with favourite Mister Mister a head away third.