Review GOWRAN PARK 15TH DEC

Gabrona will go in search of black type following a battling performance at a wet Gowran Park on Friday.

Henry de Bromhead's charge stuck to her guns well in the sloppy conditions to land the Irish Racing Yearbook Novice Hurdle.

The 9/4f hit the front three out but was strongly pressed by Giolla An Bhaird. She saw off that challenge but also had to hold the late surge of Platino, who got within three-parts-of-a-length.

'She's tough. She never wins by far but always seems to find a bit,' said de Bromhead.

'After her last race she gave a couple of coughs and missed a bit of work so we were a bit worried about her fitness. She'll go for the listed mares race at Leopardstown (29th December).'

The ground also proved no problem to Franklins Trail in the opening hurdle as he powered home to get up in the shadow of the post.

Davy Condon delivered his mount with a perfectly timed challenge to deny long-time leader Druids Castle by a head.

'He'll go for a winners of one around Christmas or the New Year. He flew home there - I would say a lot of the others didn't handle the ground,' said trainer Willie Mullins.

Jack Ingham (5/4f) got off the mark over timber in good style when quickening smartly after the last to claim the second maiden hurdle.

Brave Right had thrown down a challenge at the second last but Edward O'Grady's charge had plenty in reserve and asserted on the run-in for a three-length verdict.

'I'm delighted he won,' said O'Grady. 'He might go for a handicap now, depending on what the handicapper does. We'll look at something over Christmas for him.'

Bridge Run made it two from two when making a winning debut over hurdles in the Porters Saddlery Maiden Hurdle.

Paul Carberry sent his mount into the lead after the second last and he pulled away smartly to score by five lengths from Clarkey.

'He's a good horse,' said winning trainer Noel Meade. 'He stays well and is a lovely chaser in the making.'

Humbel Baird could be heading to Limerick over Christmas after a game battling performance in the Brooks Carlow Novice Handicap Hurdle.

Shay Barry had the gelding prominent throughout and kicked on after the second last, holding the late challenge of Scalini's by half a length.

Raven's Run looked a horse with a bright future when making a winning debut under rules in the concluding bumper for trainer Michael Cunningham.