Pied Piper leads Killarney rivals a merry dance The Gordon Elliott trained Pied Piper maintained his unbeaten record over fences when recording a facile success in the Gerard O'Sullivan Memorial Novice Chase at Killarney. A 150-rated hurdler, who has twice been victorious at Grade 2 level, the son of New Approach has also finished second on the Flat in an English Cesarewitch. Following a winning debut over fences at Down Royal last month, the seven-year-old was sent off 4/9f to make it two-from-two. In front from five out, jockey Danny Gilligan eased clear early in the straight, with the only conceivable dangers being the three fences in front of him. Never off the bridle, Pied Piper coasted home 23 lengths ahead of runner-up Will The Wise. Lisa O'Neill reported: "He looked the class horse in the race and you'd have to love the way he improved his jumping from Down Royal. Danny said he was very clever and he looks like he is using himself well over fences. "He did it at his ease and hopefully they can have plenty fun with him through the summer months. There should be plenty novice options for him. "He had run over staying distances on the Flat and while it was an unknown for him today, he showed he was well capable of staying." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
