D'Arc keeps the Ball bouncing for Elliott

Gordon Elliott continued his recent run of success as Ball d'Arc took the bumper in convincing style at Thurles.

The French bred gelding impressed in a Belharbour point-to-point and also showed some promise in the Goffs Land Rover Bumper for Pat Doyle, and was having his first run here for Elliott.

Well-backed on track from 11/4 into 2/1 favourite, Nina Carberry had no worries after hitting the front early in the straight.

The Gigginstown-owned son of Network drew clear over a furlong out and stayed on strongly to beat Timmone by nine lengths. Knockraha Boss was a further length and a half back in third.

Carberry said, "He was a bit keen on his last two bumper runs and that didn't help. He seems a lot stronger and finished out his race very well.

"He's a nice horse and while he doesn't feel like a proper bumper horse, they (owners Gigginstown House Stud) can now kick on with him over jumps if they want."

(TW & AM)