The Bowe colours were back in the winners enclosure at Fairyhouse today after a game front-running performance from Rock Road in the two-mile maiden hurdle.

The family won the Hatton's Grace Hurdle here six times with top-class performers Limestone Lad and Solerina and it was a son of another former stable star, Sweet Kiln, that did the job today.

Rock Road was pressed jumping the second last but the 7/1 shot responded well for Brian Hayes and Michael Bowe's charge had a length-and-three-quarters to spare over Melly And Me at the line.

4/9 favourite Batts Rock couldn't pick up in the closing stages and finished fourth.

Bowe said:- “He’s a chaser in the making, and that’s his future. He’s a typical Definite Article, loves good ground. I loved the way he jumped and the way he responded under a bit of pressure.

“It probably wasn’t the hottest maiden hurdle in the world but he can only improve from it.

“We’ll have to sit down and decide what to do. He may go chasing rather than go for winners’ hurdles. The way he jumped out there he’s crying out for a fence.

“I have to say Brian gave him a tremendous ride from the front. It’s the way our horses run from the front and I can’t explain why that is. Maybe it’s the air in Gathabawn.

“Hopefully I’ll be back here with Hi Nellie at the big meeting in the Drinmore Chase.”    

Sweet Kiln gained the last of her ten wins when taking an amateur riders maiden at Tramore ten years ago under Brian Hayes.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)