Mode Avion takes off for Josh Williamson The six runners finished well strung out in the Declan And Maria Coombes Memorial 4-y-o Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse with 6/5 favourite Mode Avion running out a facile winner under 5lb claimer Josh Williamson. It was a second success for the winning rider since he turned conditional last month. The son of Taj Mahal was never far from the pace and moved to the front before two out. Soon clear, the market leader stayed on well to win by an eased-down 12 lengths from Ahellofaman. “To be honest, it didn’t look the strongest race in the world. It was a good performance, but it was a good opportunity,” said Gordon Elliott who trains the winner for Gigginstown House Stud. “I think he’s come on a bit from Thurles (third there last month), he’s a grand horse. “We might jump a fence with him sooner rather than later. We might try and use his four-year-old allowances over fences, he jumps great.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
