Listen lands local Gowran gamble

Listenheretomejack justified market confidence in winning today's opening Langtons Kilkenny Handicap Hurdle on Thyestes Day at Gowran, scoring a notable success for locals, trainer Eoin Doyle and owner Martin Walsh.

Backed from 33/1 overnight and 20/1 this morning, the son of Mastercraftsman returned an 11/1 chance in the 20-runner race and under Denis O'Regan, proved a half-length too strong from runner-up Derridae , following a late tussle.

Mooncoin-based Doyle commented "he had form in the past but got a slight little injury. We got him back at Cork before Christmas and were happy with him as he ran well to the second-last but got tired. With Martin (Walsh) being local, today was the plan and we had a small few quid on - I'm delighted for him."

He added "his form in the past was on better ground but the fact it was the first race today helped. He stuck at it well, was back to a rating of 95 today and had worked well with Optional Mix the other day.

"He is handicapped over fences too and jumps well"