Mint Boy scores for Cromwell & Donoghue

The Golf Memberships At Gowran Park Maiden Hurdle was won by Mint Boy (15/8) who got up close home under Keith Donoghue.

A point-to-winner and placed in both bumpers, the Gavin Cromwell-trained gelding tracked the leaders and moved into third before two out. Second over the final flight, he looked booked for that spot early on the run-in but stayed on well to edge past 4/5 favourite Zaidi in the final couple of strides for a short head success.

“It was a good performance. He's a nice horse and he had a couple of good runs in bumpers last year,” said Donoghue.

“On his run in Fairyhouse he was probably just a big weak horse.

“It was a good performance there today, he jumped a little bit clumsy but he got the hang of it.

“I'd say he's a stayer and I'd say he'll be a nice horse in time.

“The ground is heavy but it's loose and they are getting through it, I thought it would be worse.”

Quotes from Gary Carson