Eshtiaal and Lisa O'Neill see off all challengers© Photo Healy Racing
On his first start since a hurdles outing in America when second at Far Hills back in October, Eshtiaal defied top-weight under Lisa O'Neill in the concluding Bet & Watch Irish And UK Racing Live At Coral.ie (Q.R.) Handicap at Dundalk.
Runner-up Cardinal Palace had to switch around runners from over a furlong out to lay down his challenge, and ultimately it was the Gordon Elliott-trained Eshtiaal (8/1) that got the job done by a length and a quarter.
We then had distances of just a neck, a short head, a neck and half a length to third, fourth, fifth and sixth home, Presenting Julio Scenic Star Mr Boss Man and Jack Blue
"Lisa gave him a good ride. I thought he might need the run. I thought he was the classiest horse in the race but might come on from the race," commented Elliott's assistant Olly Murphy.
"He might struggle to get into the Coral Cup or County Hurdle but it's nice to win with him.
"He's not a bad horse but he's very ground dependent. He could win a nice handicap. I'd say Aintree might suit him with a bit of decent ground.
"Lisa won this race last year for Gordon as well."
(GC & EM)
