Like The Da made every post a winning one as he ran out a cosy winner of the opening Thomastown Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park.

The 25/1 shot took them along and nicked a few lengths from his rivals at the third last under Mick Darcy.

David Kelly 's charge was still full of running turning for home and always looked in command.

Darcy was easing his mount up passing the line as he recorded a length-and-a-half victory over Ballintemple Star

The winner came into the race with a row of 'duck eggs' beside his name and hadn't shown much for the best part of two years.

"He shows plenty of ability at home but seems to pack it in on the racecourse," revealed Ballygar handler Kelly.

"He's been a nightmare to train and hasn't won for two-and-a-half years. He'll go to Cork for a handicap hurdle next."