Robcour's Crystal collects in Academy Hurdle series National Hunt-bred Highland Crystal (100/30) was the third winner of the newly introduced Academy Hurdle series today, as the Robcour-owned filly landed Punchestown’s Irish Stallion Farms EBF-sponsored race, while also collecting a €7,500 ITBA bonus. From the third crop of Crystal Ocean and out of a half-sister to top chaser Envoi Allen, Highland Crystal was bought for €58,000 in France last year and today raced prominently before quickening smartly to easily beat runner-up Ritz Plan by 14 lengths. Winning trainer Gordon Elliott was represented by assistant Lisa O’Neill, who stated “she was very impressive and put some distance between herself and the second horse. “She had done plenty at home, we knew she was forward and she jumped well, but it’s a nice surprise to see how well she has done it. It was testing enough conditions on her first-time, but she’s made a good start and Jordan (Gainford, winning jockey) thinks there’s plenty more left in her.” Quotes from Alan Magee
