Trainer Mary Louise Hallahan's excellent record at Gowran continued today when her course specialist Toon River followed up last year's win in the Grade B E50,000 Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Chase, when again ridden by Davy Russell.

Toon River carried today's weight (11st2lbs) to victory in the 2015 renewal and while successful by 13 lengths then, was kept busier on the run-in today as fast finishing runner-up Noble Emperor closed the margin to a length and a half at the line.

All four of Toon River's wins have now been at Gowran and after today's race Macroom based Hallahan, who has sent out seven winners from just 19 runners at the venue since 2011, stated “I don't know what it is about this place - the Gowran factor!

“I'm delighted with that as he hadn't the best form on paper coming into it and had some small little problems. He seems to love it around here and it brings him to life.

“We'll have to look at the calendar and see what's coming up; hopefully there's something here!

“Davy (Russell) gave him a good ride and gets on very well with him.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson