Portnablagh (nearest) is ridden out by Declan Lavery to beat Miss Delighted © Photo Healy Racing
After capturing his first Irish Grand National an hour earlier, Portnablagh made a great day even better for Gordon Elliott, as she provided him with his 200th winner of the season in the Cork & Waterford (Mares) Point-To-Point Flat Race.
Successful on debut in a point-to-point at Dungarvan for Liam O'Brien, this five-year-old daughter of Well Chosen since changed hands for 78,000 pounds.
Having opened on-course today at 11/10, she eventually went off the 9/10 favourite with Declan Lavery in the saddle for Gigginstown House Stud.
When headed over a furlong out she looked beaten, however she was then switched to the outer and came with a renewed effort inside the final furlong, staying on best close home, getting up to score by half a length. Miss Delighted (20/1) was the one just denied, and she had to settle for the runner-up spot under Johnny King for his brother James.
The front pair went six and a half lengths clear of Baile Boru who finished third under Sheila Ahern for Sean Aherne at 25/1.
Lavery said afterwards: "I rode one winner for Gordon when I was professional and that's my third winner for him. I started with him last summer and he has given me plenty opportunities.
"I ride out there six mornings a week and it is very good to get to 200 and Gordon's horses are flying. He is a genius and places his horses very well and we're delighted.
"I worked with Willie (Mullins) as well for three years and decided to change it a bit but they are both very good trainers and I don't mind riding for any one of them!
"Portnablagh is very tough and stays going all day. She is still very green and all she is going to do is improve and loves that ground."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
