Elliott and Kennedy at double with Koktail Brut Koktail Brut (8/13f) made virtually all in the Grade 2 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle over two miles, but really had to show his mettle to shade a battle with Blake. He was the second leg of a double at Fairyhouse for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy following on from Mange Tout's Grade 3 success. Blake served it up to him over the penultimate hurdle and, although the challenger came off the bridle first, it was still all to play for over the last. Blake dragged his feet through the top of it as Koktail Brut attempted to make the best way home. Blake came back for more, though, and he looked to have his nose in front in the final strides, but Koktail Brut fought back bravely to get the verdict by a head over the 8/1 runner-up. The Passing Wife (16/1 from 25s) ran on very well on the run-in to be a length and a-quarter back in third. Jack Kennedy said: "He did way too much with me the whole way around. "Donagh was kind of able to force me along and make my lad do a little much. To be fair to him, he was fairly tough up the straight. "He actually met the last lovely but, for whatever reason, he spent a bit of time in the air. He was good and tough from the back of the last. "I thought I was after getting back up. I think I got headed at one stage, but I was confident I got back up." Gordon Elliott added: “That was great. He probably did everything wrong, Jack said he was keen enough in front. “We weren’t sure if there was going to be pace in the race so we said we’d just keep it simple and go on, but Jack said he was keen enough. “He was very gutsy to come back. I’d say looking at that he probably wants a bit further. “I’ll talk to Michael and Eddie (O'Leary, Gigginstown House Stud) and see but we won’t say he definitely wants two-and-a-half, but he could be one to maybe keep and go to Naas (Grade 1 in January) with. “The only problem is that we have so many for it, so we’ll have to see. The horses are running great so we can’t complain.” The Raceday Stewards interviewed K. M. Donoghue, rider of The Passing Wife (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that K. M. Donoghue was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended K. M. Donoghue for two racedays. Koktail Brut was trimmed from 33/1 to 25/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham by Paddy Power. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
