Eddie O'Connell with Thomas Farrell and Thomas jnr © Photo Healy Racing
Carpet Elegance delivered the goods in the two mile handicap hurdle at Down Royal when staying on well to beat Patrolman by three lengths at odds of 8/1.
He was carried wide jumping the second last, but was still able to come through and challenge for the lead before the final flight. Patrolman, the 5/1 joint favourite, beat Luddsdenene (9/1) into third by a length and a half.
Carpet Elegance won this race last year by a head for Thomas Farrell at 14/1. Ian McCarthy was on board then, however, Eddie O’Connell did the steering today.
“It was like coming down to the last, last year. He likes it here. He was going to be second here before and he tipped up. He’s going to mix it now. On his last run he was running a good race over fences when he fell. He’ll go beginners’ chasing,” handler Thomas Farrell said.
“I train between the Curragh and Newbridge in Pierce Molony’s yard – the former senior steward. I’ve three in training and the family own this one.”
