Panjandrum proves tough on first start for Elliott Panjandrum edged a terrific duel with Grandy Lane in the concluding bumper at Clonmel this afternoon. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding was a well supported 8/15 shot in the finale and was produced to lead turning for home by Harry Swan. He was joined by Grandy Lane, and Declan Lavery, passing the two pole though and that rival soon bagged a narrow lead. The Gigginstown-owned Panjandrum rallied gamely and stuck his head in front narrowly again in the closing stages to secure a head victory on his racecourse bow. Panjandrum, a son of Blue Bresil, had won a point-to-point in England last December before joining Elliott for £95,000. Assistant Lisa O’Neill said:- "He has always been a nice horse, he has shaped nicely at home and I think the ease in the ground helped as he will be a nice winter horse. “Harry gave him a nice ride, he was delighted with him and it is lovely to get him off to a start like that.  "He won his point to point in England for Gina and Tom Ellis, he came with a nice reputation and hopefully he can build on this. “The likes of Navan would be right up his street and we'll see what Gordon thinks, but I'd say he could go up in distance." It was a first and last race double for Elliott, with Kovanis also landing the opening maiden hurdle in the Gigginstown colours. (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
