Easy win for expensive ex-pointer Port Authority Expensive point-to-point purchase Port Authority (9/2 — 100/30) scored impressively on his first start for new connections today, landing Naas’ Cavan Developments Home Builders Supporting St Marys GAA Maiden Hurdle for trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Jack Kennedy. Bought for £200,000 last March following a Borris House pointing success, the five-year-old debuted in the colours of Mrs L Rabson & BJM Limited on today’s hurdling debut. Racing behind wayward leader Murat (11/10f), which jumped left throughout, Port Authority led approaching the final flight to eventually easily defeat that rival by 17 lengths, with 6.5 lengths to third-placed Earl Neigh . Elliott commented “he’s a nice horse but we thought he’d come on from today as a lot of ours are coming on from their first run. We kept it simple and Jack said he had a blow. He’s very straightforward and I’d say he’ll stay further. “He could be a horse that could go for the Formby Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 at Aintree in December) as a few of the boys are from the UK.” Quotes from Gary Carson
