Rhythm King won a battle with Summer Snow on his nursery debut in the opener over seven furlongs at Gowran Park.

He went off 16/1 after three unplaced runs in maiden company but didn't go unbacked having been 33s in the morning and 25/1 on opening show. Static Charge soon led under Gary Carroll and was tracked by Rhythm King and Duke Of Leggagh with Hilltop's Bear and Summer Snow in touch.

Rhythm King was driven into the lead by Gavin Ryan inside the final quarter of a mile with improving Summer Snow looking for a gap in third behind them racing to the final furlong.

Summer Snow came through on the inner to challenge Rhythm King at the furlong pole where her jockey Jamie Powell lost his whip.

The two soon went on from the field and Rhythm King held a very narrow advantage all the way to the line as he won by a short head from the 3/1 favourite. Duke Of Leggagh (9/1) got the better of Static Charge back in third.

Trainer Mark Fahey said: “He did it well. He's an Elzaam and that's his first time getting a bit of soft ground.

“The line came in time and Gavin gave him a brilliant ride.

“I'm delighted for the Lennons, they've had a few horses with me and this is the first winner they've had. He's a home-bred as well.

“We'll see what's coming up at the back-end of the year, it will be ground dependent. If there is a race there, and the ground is soft, we will kick on there providing he's okay.”

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Static Charge (GB), ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed fourth, Rhythm King, ridden by G.M. Ryan, placed first, and Summer Snow, ridden by J.A. Powell, placed second, where it appeared Rhythm King moved right taking the ground of Summer Snow early in the straight. The Stewards also enquired into an incident at around the 1 furlong marker where it appeared Summer Snow moved right taking the ground of Static Charge. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In relation to the first incident, G.M. Ryan felt he had not caused any interference. J.A. Powell stated that he received no interference. In relation to the second incident G.F. Carroll stated that he had to check back when his ground was taken by Summer Snow. J.A. Powell stated that he was halfway into the gap when it got a bit tight but felt he was entitled to go for the gap. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards, in relation to the first incident made no alteration to the judges placings and took no further action. In relation to the second incident, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.A. Powell was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record, they suspended him for two racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson