Eternal Echo wins on hurdling debut for Elliott and Gilligan The Gordon Elliott trained Eternal Echo made a winning start to his career over jumps when justifying favouritism in the opening Dermot Casey Tree Care Maiden Hurdle at Cork. A former bumper winner, the four-year-old had picked up valuable black type when third at Limerick on his most recent start in that discipline. Well supported to strike at the first time of asking over flights, the 6/4 chance sat mid division under Danny Gilligan in the early part of the race. Moving closer into fourth place after five out, the gelding came through to throw down a strong challenge to race leader Dark Oak early in the straight. Having survived a bad mistake two out, the son of Fascinating Rock quickened up well to lead at the last before forging clear to win by four-and-a-half lengths. Assistant Trainer Ian Almond said: "He was a bit novicey jumping but got the hang of it. He is a nice horse and I imagine he'll be kept on the go, as he could run and win on the Flat as well. "He won well, is a grand horse and better ground would suit him. He'll probably be kept on the go for the summer tracks." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
