Well backed Zafarqand (4/1 this morning - 7/4f) landed the opening Coral.ie Maiden Hurdle at Gowan today, making all under Davy Russell for trainer Anthony McCann.

Russell made most of the running on the son of Halling who in the end stayed on well for a comfortable win over Day Day

Afterwards McCann stated “Oliver (Brady) always thought a lot of this horse, and felt he was one of the best he ever had - he’s a class act. He came on a lot from Limerick, and that race has been panning out well.

"He can only improve again as this was his second run in nearly three years and Davy gave him a peach of a ride.

"I was going to bring him to Hexham tomorrow but decided it was better to stay at home. I'm delighted for Rita (Shah, owner) who has stuck with us. We had an auld thing (bug) in the yard but have finally got rid of it."

The win was dual Champion Jockey Russell’s 13th of the new season, moving him level with Jack Kennedy at the head of the Jockeys’ Championship.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee