Springfield Way just held on from Thewesthowaya in a thrilling finish to the opening maiden hurdle at Gowran Park this afternoon.

The 2/1 favourite had hit the front after the fourth last, under Tom Doyle, but The Tall Texan looked a big danger turning for home.

That rival blundered badly at the second last, however, losing his chance and it was left to Thewesthowaya to throw down a challenge.

She pressed the leader hard from before the last and the pair were locked together on the run-in.

Springfield Way stuck his head out gamely to just edge the verdict as they flashed past the post, recording a head success. The Tall Texan was an unlucky third.

The winner was following up his success in a Naas bumper at the beginning of August.

Winning trainer Thomas Walsh trains locally in Pilltown and the winning Loft Syndicate are made up of his neighbours:-

"We'll go chasing with him soon as he won two point-to-points. My son Mark bred him as well."

Gary Carson