Buck Breeze produced a fine front-running performance to claim the Thomastown Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Owner/rider Adrienne Foley bounced her mount out in front from flag fall and he responded well to her urgings down the straight.

The Needle Gun gelding looked to have plenty on his plate as challengers loomed turning for home but he picked up well when asked at the second last.

The 20/1 shot had matters in hand as he asserted going to the final flight and Foley could afford to ease down close home for a cosy three-and-three-quarter length success over Bay Of Kotor

The winner was making his seasonal reappearance and was recording his first victory since taking his maiden hurdle at Clonmel in October 2006.

It was a family affair with the winner trained by her father Tom and he said afterwards:-

"We weren't expecting that but it's a nice surprise. I thought the ground might be too tacky for him.

"He's a horse with lots of ability but he doesn't have a brain! Adrienne rides him out all the time and knows him really well.

"He's as good a jumper as ever went out on the track but with the type he is I would be afraid to go over fences with him."