Delight drops in trip to claim opener at Gowran

A drop back in trip proved the key for Rapture's Delight as he opened his account at the third time of asking in the opening seven furlong maiden at Gowran Park.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained colt was produced to challenge over a furlong from home by the trainer's brother Donnacha.

The 9/4 shot wore down Take A Nap inside the final furlong, getting on top close home for a neck victory. 8/13 favourite Mayaadeen was two-and-a-half lengths back in third.

Rapture's Delight was runner-up at Dundalk early this month before finishing fourth at Navan last time.

“He had a lovely run the first time. Then we went a mile-and-a-quarter in Navan and it was the wrong thing as he was too keen so we dropped back to seven today,” said the winning trainer.

“He'll probably step into a handicap now. He likes a bit of nice ground but he's by Invincible Spirit so he might handle it a bit easier too.

“He hasn't had a chance to run on easier ground but I'd be hopeful he'd handle that as well.

“He's not the most straight-forward horse in the world and just takes a bit of minding.”