Discoteca calls the tune in opener

Discoteca was made to work to land the odds in the opening conditions hurdle at Gowran Park this afternoon.

Gordon Elliott 's charge was sent off 8/13 favourite in the two mile event largely due to the withdrawal of stable-mate His Excellency.

Davy Russell had the Gigginstown gelding prominent throughout and he took over from long-time leader Hurricane Season at the third last.

The Nayef gelding was joined by Casimir Road entering the straight and the pair settled down for a duel over the final two flights.

Discoteca was always just pulling out enough to hold off his rival and edged ahead in the closing stages to record a three-parts-of-a-length success.

50/1 shot Rodeo Rocket looked like getting into contention before the straight before finishing a commendable third.

The winner was scoring on ground softer than ideal, having triumphed on decent surfaces at Ballinrobe and Cork on his last two runs, and trainer Elliott said afterwards:-

"He does what he has to do and he's improving all the time. He wouldn't want it any softer than that.

"We'll see how he comes out of this before we decide where he goes next. He stays well and jumps well."

(On course reporting by Donal Murphy)