Akorakor leads home Elliott one-two

Gordon Elliott was double-handed in the two and a half mile novice chase at Kilbeggan and it was his Akorakor who struck gold.

Bryan Cooper, in the Gigginstown colours, did the steering and pushed his mount up to be on terms with The Housekeeper after jumping the third last.

After clearing the next fence, Akorakor grabbed the lead but felt Cooper's whip before the last obstacle. Stablemate Shadow Catcher tracked him in second with Paul Carberry sitting very quietly.

On the long run to the final fence Carberry went for his whip but Akorakor was finding plenty for pressure ahead of him.

Once he cleared the last he strode away to beat Shadow Catcher by five and a half lengths.

Gordon Elliott said: "I thought it was going to be one of those days. My jockey beat me earlier [Jack Kennedy on Do Try Dolly beat Disputed . I'll have to stop him riding elsewhere!

"He jumps and gallops and will go for something at Galway. He has his job done for us and he's in at the sales."

The winner was backed from 11/8 to 11/10f at the track. Shadow Catcher was an 11/2 chance.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes