Casual makes all to score on hurdles debut

The Gordon Elliott trained Casual Approach made all to win the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle on his first start over hurdles.

Second in a point-to-point at Kilworth for John Costello he then finished fifth in a bumper at Fairyhouse on his debut for Gordon Elliott.

He was beaten just half a length in another bumper at Gowran last month and he was sent off a 10/3 chance (opened at 4/1 on-course) here with Paul Carberry in the saddle.

The Michael Earls owned gelding went a few lengths clear after three out and he kept up the gallop in the straight to see off the challenge of Nine Stitches (12/1) by three and a quarter lengths. Burton Hall (8/1) completed the placings a further three lengths back in third while the 7/4 favourite Turnandgo (was 10/11 this morning) finished a disappointing seventh on his first start for Mouse Morris.

Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "He's a nice horse and we decided to let him win his maiden hurdle now as he's going chasing next season.

"It's nice to train a winner for Michael Earls, the boss of Easyfix, and it's more special given these are Easyfix hurdles!

"We might try for one novice hurdle in England or Ireland before he is left off."

Regarding Don Cossack, he added: "He is bouncing after Aintree. I don't know whether to run at Punchestown as he's been so good and has won four from five this season.

"Every time you look back at the Ryanair it makes you realise how unlucky he was but he is an exciting horse for next year."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Turnandgo, trained by M.F.Morris, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be stiff and sore post race.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes