Sinbad strikes in Gowran opener

Sinbad Le Marin got on top late on after a cracking finish to the opening Sea Moon & Jukebox Jury at Burgage Stud Maiden Hurdle at Gowran Park this afternoon.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding had disappointed when sent off favourite on his most recent outing at Naas late last month but left that run well behind.

Paul Townend produced the 9/2 shot to tackle front-runner Mighty Mo Missouri going to the final flight and the pair settled down to battle it out on the run-in.

Sinbad Le Marin just found a bit more in the closing stages to record a half length success. The front pair pulled 16 lengths clear of Enjoy The Dream in third.

Assistant trainer David Casey said afterwards:- "The more experience he is getting, the better he is getting and I'd say it was a competitive race he ran in the last day. He is improving with racing and is learning his trade.

"We'll see about the Fred Winter and hopefully he can win a handicap somewhere. He can always go back on the flat and will be a grand dual purpose horse."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)