Gordon back on track with Tipperary win

Gordon Lord Byron recorded his first win since last July, as he got up close home to win the Follow @TipperaryRaces On Twitter Race.

The globetrotting eight-year-old had been disappointing so far this year, but he was expected to register career win number thirteen this evening.

Settled in third by Billy Lee, the 11/8 favourite came under pressure over a furlong from home and soon went second, keeping on best to lead in the last 50 yards, prevailing by half a length. Elleval finished second at 9/4 under Colm O'Donoghue for David Marnane, while the Mick Halford duo of Al Qahwa and Wychwood Wonder were third and fourth (last).

Tom Hogan said afterwards: "That is a bit of a relief because he has always been a very hard horse to train at this time of year as he suffers from allergies related to pollens.

"I was very disappointing at Leopardstown the last day but he showed up with an allergy type of mucus.

"Physically he is as well as ever and hopefully things will improve for the rest of the year. I always knew he was genuine and is a very intelligent horse.

"He'll run in the Minstrel Stakes next and hopefully he can get back up to where he was but how far he can go I don't know."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes