If Per Chance falls at the last as Carpet Elegance (red with noseband) stays on best to win© Photo Healy Racing
Newbridge trainer Thomas Farrell recorded his first racecourse success as his Carpet Elegance just got up to win the Daily Mirror Handicap Hurdle beating the front-running Sulki Rose by a head.
The eight-year-old son of Definite Article was last seen finishing a decent fifth to Rockyaboya in the charity race at Punchestown and back over hurdles this afternoon he was sent off at 14/1 (was 20/1 this morning with Paddy Powers).
Having raced in mid-division for much of the contest he improved three out and challenged before the last.
He stayed on well under pressure on the run-in to just get up close home under Ian McCarthy, winning by a head at the line from 33/1 shot Sulki Rose while Rising Altitude (7/1) was a further half a length back in third. Well Insured (15/2) completed the placings two and a half lengths back in fourth while the 6/1 favourite, El Gran Torino could only manage eighth under Ruby Walsh for Tony Martin.
Thomas Farrell said afterwards; "That is my first winner on the track but I have had point-to-point winners. I used to ride as an amateur for Frank Berry.
"This horse has had a few niggly problems but that are all behind him now. He wants good ground and I think he will step up again and win. He will go over fences in the summer and he jumps really well.
"I rode him in a charity race at Punchestown and he was beaten just over ten lengths by a horse who is rated 120."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
