Carpet provides Farrell with first track win

Newbridge trainer Thomas Farrell recorded his first racecourse success as his Carpet Elegance just got up to win the Daily Mirror Handicap Hurdle beating the front-running Sulki Rose by a head.

The eight-year-old son of Definite Article was last seen finishing a decent fifth to Rockyaboya in the charity race at Punchestown and back over hurdles this afternoon he was sent off at 14/1 (was 20/1 this morning with Paddy Powers).

Having raced in mid-division for much of the contest he improved three out and challenged before the last.

He stayed on well under pressure on the run-in to just get up close home under Ian McCarthy, winning by a head at the line from 33/1 shot Sulki Rose while Rising Altitude (7/1) was a further half a length back in third. Well Insured (15/2) completed the placings two and a half lengths back in fourth while the 6/1 favourite, El Gran Torino could only manage eighth under Ruby Walsh for Tony Martin.

Thomas Farrell said afterwards; "That is my first winner on the track but I have had point-to-point winners. I used to ride as an amateur for Frank Berry.

"This horse has had a few niggly problems but that are all behind him now. He wants good ground and I think he will step up again and win. He will go over fences in the summer and he jumps really well.

"I rode him in a charity race at Punchestown and he was beaten just over ten lengths by a horse who is rated 120."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham