Dance opens hurdling account in style

The Gordon Elliott-trained Liberty Dance was backed into a short price in the mares maiden hurdle at Thurles and justified that support with a cosy success.

The Soldier Of Fortune mare went off a 5/6 shot having been 2/1 this morning and tracked the leaders in the race, run over just shy of two miles.

Jack Kennedy asked his mount to take closer order turning for home and she tackled Foxy Girl jumping the second last.

Despite not being fluent there she was better than her rival and moved on before the last, posting a four-and-a-half length success.

The dual bumper winner hadn't been disgraced when sixth in Grade 3 company on her hurdling debut at Down Royal behind Magical Zoe.

"She is a nice mare, is a galloper and I'd say when she gets further she will be better. She is tough and it was a good performance,” said Elliott.

"The further she goes, the better she'll be and we'll take it step by step with her. There is a race in Haydock in two weeks time and there's a race back here for her also."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)