JESSICA Harrington enjoyed a welcome double at Gowran Park on Monday, but it was one of her also-rans on the card, The Austrian, who caught the eye for the weeks ahead when seventh behind his stablemate, Confused, in the maiden over an extended mile and one, writes Andy Stephens.

The Austrian, a three-year-old homebred carrying the colours of Anamoine Limited, was making a belated debut but had something to recommend himself on breeding, being a son of New Bay out of a once-raced dam who is a half-sister to the mighty Snow Fairy.

He looked raw in the first half of the contest and was languishing in 12th place with three furlongs to run. However, the colt was learning on the job and stayed on well under considerate handling. His finishing position masks the fact that he was the fastest of all the runners in the final two furlongs, with his closing splits being 11.54sec and 12.33sec.

He hit 39.67mph in the penultimate furlong, which was close to being the top speed of the race. This debut was not dissimilar to that of his half-sister, Snowcapped, who represented the same connections. She went on to make her presence felt in group and listed company, being rated 100 at her peak.

Harrington had earlier scooped the fillies’ handicap, over the same trip, with the progressive Thrifty Of Digby, who overcame a 5lb rise for her success at Roscommon last month.

However, she was possibly a little fortunate to prevail by a short-head from Spanish Temptress as the runner-up switched inside when it looked like she had an inviting gap to go through approaching the final furlong.

Regardless of tactics, Spanish Temptress did well to all but get up as she had been last of the eight runners with three furlongs to run. She was easily quickest from then on, finishing off in 36.39sec, which was almost a full second faster than the winner.

The caveat with keeping the daughter of Phoenix Of Spain on side is that she seems to need some give underfoot. Granted suitable conditions, she should soon be winning.