Star gets Doran off the mark

Thomas Doran recorded his first career success as he partnered Star Of Aragon to victory in the Sunday Hospitality Hurdle for trainer James Nash.

Doran came to prominence for all the wrong reasons in July of last year when he received a massive fifty day ban at Ballinrobe for his ride on Massini’s Trap (found guilty of not trying).

However the ban was a distant memory today as the nineteen-year-old from Waterford, who is based with Nash, got off the mark.

The winner, who was recording his sixth career success, was sent off at 9/2 and he was held up behind the leaders for most.

He made progress from three out and was ridden to lead at the second last, going clear from there to score easily by fourteen lengths. Protaras finished second at 3/1 (from 7/2 on-course) under Davy Condon for Noel Meade while the easy to back 5/2 favourite (was 6/4 this morning) Primroseandblue was a further half a length back in third for Willie and Patrick Mullins.

James Nash said afterwards: "When he was younger he wanted good ground but since getting older he likes a bit of an ease. We were always happy with him over the winter on soft ground. That's also his first time going an extra couple of furlongs.

"Thomas took his time and it's great he got his first winner. He gave him a smashing ride. He's sticking with it and he did nothing wrong there. He'll get more opportunities."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham