The Gordon Elliott trained Hostile Fire booked his Cheltenham Festiva, ticket when making it third time lucky over hurdles at Fairyhouse today, winning the Online Discounts @ fairyhouse.ie Maiden Hurdle under Davy Condon.

A four times flat handicap winner in Britain before joining Elliott, the son of Iffraaj travelled well to lead entering the home straight and responded well when briefly pressurised by runner-up Zafayan before the final flight, eventually beating that rival by three lengths.

Elliott later stated "I'd say that wasn't a great race but he won. Davy said he was very keen with the wind behind him."

"He travelled like a nice horse and will probably go for the Fred Winter now at Cheltenham - that's the plan as he's had three runs now."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson