Keep Believing was a strong favourite for the three-year-old mile handicap at Gowran and duly did the business for trainer Brian Nolan.

Conor Hoban had the 2/1 favourite (7/2 this morning) to the fore throughout and asked him for an effort passing the two furlong pole.

He was in front at the furlong marker and, despite running around a touch, kept on well in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-quarter success over Binary Code

The runner-up did appear to get a slight bump from the winner inside the final furlong.

Keep Believing was gaining a quick follow up victory having scored at Navan last Monday.

"He got a big hike for winning at Navan and he did well to come out and win again. He was back in his own age group and that was a big help,” said Hoban afterwards.

“He did it well, Brian had him here fresh and well, and all credit to him.

“He was getting a bit lonely in front, and I had to race a bit sooner than ideal as they were all coming over towards the stands side. I was probably in front a bit soon, but he was just getting lonely.

“He is a baby still and cheekpieces are on him for a reason, to keep him concentrating. He is far from ungenuine and it was a good performance.

“He was drawn in fifteen in Navan as well so he has done well to overcome the draw again."

Conor Hoban ended up getting a two-day ban for careless riding due to the interference inside the final furlong.

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)