Whistle Dixie clears the last under Bryan Cooper© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott recorded his 100th winner of the season in Britain and Ireland as his Whistle Dixie ran out a comfortable winner of the Dunmoe Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Successful in a point-to-point and two bumpers the daughter of Kayf Tara was disappointingly beaten into second on her debut over hurdles at Galway in October.
Stepped up in trip to two and a half miles today she was sent off the 1/3 favourite (from 4/6 last night) under Bryan Cooper for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud.
Settled in mid-division she was slightly hampered five out. She took closer order on the approach to the straight and came with her challenge before the second last where she made a mistake.
She was pushed along to lead before the next and stretched clear on the run-in, coming home nine lengths to the good. Side Saddle (9/1), who is a full-sister to Voler La Vedette, finished second under Ruby Walsh for Sandra Hughes while Kayf Hampshire (6/1) was a further length and a quarter back in third under Jonathan Burke for his father Liam.
Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "She's not a bad mare. She wasn't right in Galway and is only after coming right in the last fortnight.
"There is a bit of improvement in her. She wants that two-and-a-half. I don't think she'd come back in trip and if anything she would go further.
"Bryan said it was a messy old race. They went no gallop and there were horses in on top of her. When she did run at the last at speed she winged it.
"I wanted to get her settled today as she was a bit keen in Galway."
The winner is a half-sister to 2005 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kicking King.
STEWARDS REPORTS
Rachael Blackmore, rider of Bell Of The Ball trained by Liam Lennon, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount didn't act on the ground.
D.N. Russell, rider of Siberian Vixen trained by Edmond Kent, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped deliberately.
P.T. Enright, rider of Simple Steps trained by Robert Tyner, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount raced close to the pace but was unable to quicken when headed.
M.P. Fogarty, rider of Tellthemnuttin trained by W.F. Codd, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was badly hampered in the back straight.
Mrs John Harrington, trainer of Lady Bradley reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge made a respiratory noise after the third last hurdle.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
