Rivals no Match for Kiely charge

Up For The Match ran out a cosy winner under a confident ride from Alan Crowe in the Goresbridge Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park.

The John Kiely-trained gelding completed a quick double for owner JP McManus when taking the two-and-a-half mile contest on his handicap debut.

Crowe had the 12/1 shot close to the pace on the outer throughout before challenging, travelling well, at the second last.

The Old Vic gelding jumped into the lead, from Novarov at the final flight and only needed 'hands and heels' persuasion to record a length-and-a-half success. Table Mountain was sent off the 5/2 favourite but couldn't land a blow back in third.

"He has kept improving and has learned a lot from his runs so far," said Kiely. "He has got his jumping together."