Thanks For Tea just got the better of Davids Jewel in the opener at Gowran, the Goresbridge Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The Edmond Kent trained six-year-old was a close-up fourth to Ballycorrigan at Limerick last month before finishing seventh to Punch Bag on her handicap debut again at Limerick.

Back in maiden company today she was sent off a 7/2 chance under Paul Townend.

Settled behind the leaders she was a close third with a circuit to race. She came with her challenge on the outer approaching the second last and disputed the lead on the run to the final flight.

She had a great battle with Davids Jewel from there and just got the better of that rival by a head.

The runner-up was returned the 7/4 favourite (from 2's on-course) under Sean Flanagan for Harry Kelly while Tortueuse (16/1) was five lengths back in third under Conor Maxwell for Dermot McLoughlin.

Edmond Kent (the owner, trainer and breeder) said afterwards: "She's tough and probably wants a bit further. She likes that ground, and will jump a fence in time

"She's home-bred and there is a E5,000 bonus which is a help."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee