WHAT looked the race of the day in Thurles produced a really likeable winner in Velvet Elvis who continued his progress with a fine all the way display in the Horse & Jockey Rated Novice Hurdle.

This victory, which moved trainer Tom Gibney on to the 13-winner mark of what has been an already impressive career best season, followed a maiden success over three miles at Cork last month and the drop in trip by half a mile presented Velvet Elvis with no difficulties whatsoever.