Mount Ida and Davy Russell © Photo Healy Racing
The Gordon Elliott-trained Mount Ida producing a fine round of jumping to run out a convincing winner of the TA Morris Memorial EBF Mares Chase at Clonmel.
Last season's Kim Muir winner went to post a 6/5 shot on her return to action and was prominent for much of the extended two-and-a-half mile trip.
Davy Russell sent her to the front five from home and she opened up a few lengths with a superb jump at the next. Scarlet And Dove came to press entering the straight but wasn't making inroads going to the second last.
Mount Ida did get a bit close to the last but galloped on strongly on the run-in for a four-and-a-quarter length win as she was pushed out to secure victory.
Assistant trainer Lisa O'Neill said afterwards:- "She did it really well and Davy is delighted with her. It is obviously her first appearance this season but you couldn't be happier and the main aim is the Grand National.
"She got a bit of a fright in the Kim Muir early-on but showed the talent that she had with the way she won so decisively in the end.
"It was a nice performance today and great for the KTDA Syndicate who are fantastic people to have in the yard and have some great ammunition for the winter."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
