The Insider (far side) © Photo Healy Racing
The Europe Hotel & Resort 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle, the second race of its type this season in Ireland, was won by The Insider (10/3) under Jordan Gainford.
Having his first start for Gordon Elliott after finishing runner-up on the Flat at Listowel last month for John O'Shea, the Elzaam gelding was left disputing the lead after stable companion and favourite Chargo crashed out three from home.
Soon narrowly in front, the hurdling debutant was better over the last than Figaruso and went on to beat that rival by a length and a half.
Elliott said: "He travelled into it well, Jordan said they went quick and he arrived travelling nearly too well turning in.
"He was bought to go to America and the plan is for him to go there for the owners. It will be hard for him from now on (in Ireland) as he looks an early three-year-old (hurdler).
"Obviously the other one (Chargo) was our more fancied runner but that's horse racing and you have to jump, that's the name of the game. Jack (Kennedy) said she was much too keen."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
