Favourite Upstaged again

Upstager galloped on strongly in the closing stages to land the spoils in the six-year-old and up maiden hurdle at Gowran Park.

For the second race running owner JP McManus had a well fancied favourite but Moonlight Boy (5/4) had to play second fiddle in the two-and-a-half mile contest.

Davy Russell gave Upstager a confident ride as he travelled well to challenge turning for home.

The Pat Colville-trained Oscar gelding hit the front after the second last and was always too strong for the favourite, who came through to give chase.

Upstager was untidy at the last but it didn't stop his momentum as he wen on for a four-and-a-quarter length victory.

The 10/1 winner had been well beaten in his first few starts but showed more at Punchestown last time when running well to finish fifth.

“He's an improving horse and handled the trip and ground well,” said Colville.

“He needed a bit of racing to learn. He'll probably go for a novice handicap next, maybe at Fairyhouse. “He'll go chasing next year – he's bred to do that.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)