Gowran Park review

A review from Sunday's meeting at Gowran Park as Rayisa got off the mark in the opening maiden contest.

Rayisa held off newcomer Best In The World to get off the mark at the third attempt in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Gowran.

Shane Foley made all the running on Michael Halford's charge but was storngly challenged in the final furlong by the Aidan O'Brien runner, who is a full-sister to the smart Found.

However, the racecourse experience of Rayisa (11/8 favourite) won the day as she prevailed by half a length.

"She's a lovely straightforward filly and we put her experience to use. We popped her out smart and making the running was no bother to her. She very genuine," said Halford.

"She could go for a Listed race at the Curragh in October and she'll have no bother stepping up next season.

"She loved the ground and looks progressive."

Newsman (14/1) came with a late run to get off the mark in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden and give trainer Johnny Murtagh a belated first juvenile winner of the 2015 season.

Aridity, the 5/2 favourite, led into the final furlong but had to settle for third as the Qatar Racing-owned Newsman was produced to score by half a length under Connor King.

Mittersill just got second place from Aridity.

"If you had told me it would be mid-September before I had a two-year-old winner I'd have said you were mad," said Murtagh.

"I thought I had some nice two-year-olds at the start of the year but they all seem to be taking a run and improving. Hopefully now one or two more will hit the board.

"He's very tough and genuine. He quickened well and it took him a while to pull him up. Hopefully he'll go on to better things.

"I thought stepping up to a mile would suit him today. I think he's a decent horse and I think he could be a stakes horse.

"I'd see him as a nice mile-and-a-quarter horse next year and hopefully he'll stay a mile and a half."

Spin Point (7/4 favourite) edged out Van Schaick after a tight finish to the Powerstown Stud Maiden.

The two principals treated reacegors to a thrilling climax with Kevin Manning getting Jim Bolger's charge up by a short head following a fine debut second at Galway. Avenante was third.

"Kevin said the race in Galway has worked out well. Robertstown (also trained by Bolger) won out of it and now him as well," said Bolger's travelling head lad, Ger Flynn.

"He said he'd like to step him up in trip. He's still very green and a bit babyish, but he has a fantastic attitude and a great constitution. He'll improve loads and is going the right way.

"He hadn't the ideal draw here at Gowran being on the outside as you have to get out and get over."

Conor Hoban was pleased to get the Andy Oliver-trained Flannery (10/1) home by a nose from Along The Shore in the Gowran Golf Memberships 2016 From 600 Euro Apprenticeship Handicap.

"It's nice to get a winner for Andy Oliver, who has been a good supporter of mine," said Hoban.

"He did it well and stuck it out. He appreciated the ease in the ground and with a bit of luck he'll win another one."

Helen's Armada (7/1) lifted division one of the Live Music After Racing Handicap for trainer Adrian McGuinness and jockey Leigh Roche.

Division two went to the Liz Doyle-trained Annie Irish (6/1) under 5lb claimer Ross Coakley.