Tea just beats Jewel in Gowran opener

Thanks For Tea just got the better of Davids Jewel in the opener at Gowran, the Goresbridge Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The Edmond Kent trained six-year-old was a close-up fourth to Ballycorrigan at Limerick last month before finishing seventh to Punch Bag on her handicap debut again at Limerick.

Back in maiden company today she was sent off a 7/2 chance under Paul Townend.

Settled behind the leaders she was a close third with a circuit to race. She came with her challenge on the outer approaching the second last and disputed the lead on the run to the final flight.

She had a great battle with Davids Jewel from there and just got the better of that rival by a head.

The runner-up was returned the 7/4 favourite (from 2's on-course) under Sean Flanagan for Harry Kelly while Tortueuse (16/1) was five lengths back in third under Conor Maxwell for Dermot McLoughlin.

Edmond Kent (the owner, trainer and breeder) said afterwards: "She's tough and probably wants a bit further. She likes that ground, and will jump a fence in time

"She's home-bred and there is a E5,000 bonus which is a help."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee