Skerry eases to wide margin success Skerry Hill proved a different league to his rivals when cruising to a 32 length success in the Lough Construction Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal. Jack Kennedy bounced out in front on the 2/13 favourite and he had the field well strung out at halfway. The Order Of St George gelding eased clear going to the second last and was quick over the final flight as he scored with the minimum of fuss. Skerry Hill was maintaining his unbeaten record. He won two bumpers for Elliott last season and had also taken a point-to-point on his debut. He joined an illustrious roll of honour in this race. Elliott has won it with the likes of Romeo Coolio, Ballyadam and Envoi Allen in recent years. Elliott said: "I've got a lot of nice horses, but I think this lad is very good. "Jack said he flicked off that ground as well. "I'd have loved for something to go on and get a lead, but there was no point in dropping him in. They went a fair gallop and he did it well. Jack said he felt like he was in second gear the whole way. "He won in Farmacaffley which is one of the toughest point-to-point tracks in Ireland. He's not slow.” When asked if the Royal Bond could be a target he added:- "Yes, definitely.” Paddy Power made the winner a 16/1 shot (from 20/1) for both the Supreme and Turners Novices' Hurdles. They go 20/1 (from 25/1) for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle. (Quotes by Michael Graham)
