Springfield edges tight finish in Gowran opener Springfield Way just held on from Thewesthowaya in a thrilling finish to the opening maiden hurdle at Gowran Park this afternoon. The 2/1 favourite had hit the front after the fourth last, under Tom Doyle, but The Tall Texan looked a big danger turning for home. That rival blundered badly at the second last, however, losing his chance and it was left to Thewesthowaya to throw down a challenge. She pressed the leader hard from before the last and the pair were locked together on the run-in. Springfield Way stuck his head out gamely to just edge the verdict as they flashed past the post, recording a head success. The Tall Texan was an unlucky third. The winner was following up his success in a Naas bumper at the beginning of August. Winning trainer Thomas Walsh trains locally in Pilltown and the winning Loft Syndicate are made up of his neighbours:- "We'll go chasing with him soon as he won two point-to-points. My son Mark bred him as well." Gary Carson
