Keith Donoghue stepped in for the winning spare ride on the Gordon Elliott trained Woods Well in the opening Happy New Year Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse today, as the jockey substituted for winning owner Gigginstown House Stud’s injured retained jockey Bryan Cooper.

Cooper’s misfortunate at Punchestown yesterday, where the Gold Cup winner suffered a fractured pelvis, worked in Donoghue’s favour today and having been originally pencilled in to ride Golden Jewel in the race. He swapped to employer Elliott’s gelding who in the end scored a seven and a half lengths win under a canny ride. Donoghue was intent on capitalising from a mistake from 4/11 favourite C’est Jersey at the fifth last flight and then sent Woods Well into a clear lead, which he maintained for the duration of the race.

Olly Murphy, assistant to absent Gordon Elliott, later stated “he jumps and gallops and has a good attitude. He'd have no problem stepping up to three miles and I'd say you will not see the best of him until he goes over fences."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee