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Ard makes winning start on 'track'

Ard Abhainn swoops to conquer on the outerArd Abhainn swoops to conquer on the outer
© Photo Healy Racing

Gordon Elliott looks to have another nice prospect on his hands after Ard Abhainn stuck on well in the closing stages to land the K Club Hotel & Resort Flat Race at Punchestown.

Lisa O'Neill got a great tune out of the 13/2 shot in the closing stages to get up for a length-and-a-quarter win.

The Jeremy mare came with a strong run inside the final furlong to get the better of Tactical Move and Rocket Lad

The winner was making it two from two having also landed a point-to-point at Linstown on her debut in March. She had subsequently cost £80,000 at the Cheltenham Festival Sale.

Elliott was recording his first winner at the festival since a double on the opening day and said:-

"It's a long time since Tuesday and I thought the charity race might be my best chance of a winner today!

“She's a nice filly and she'll come on a good bit from it.

“She's by a great sire. I'd say we'll put her away now and bring her back for that mares Listed bumper at Gowran in early October.

“She's a tough filly. She won't mind softer ground as she won a point-to-point on soft ground.

“Bernadette Murphy trained her and she came well recommended. Jamie Codd recommended her as well and Mouse O'Ryan bought her and done a great job.

“She might have been dear on the night (at the sales) but she looks cheap now.”

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.