Dave digs out win in thriller

The Gordon Elliott-trained Runfordave emerged on top after a thrilling finish to the Irish Racing Year Book Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Castello Sforza fourth in last season’s Cheltenham Bumper, was sent off even-money favourite and raced prominently in the 2m2f contest. The hotpot made a few errors, however, including when stumbling after a slight mistake three from home.

He still hit the front two from home but was tackled by Runfordave on his outer. The pair were joined by newcomer Capital Force going to the last.

The later got his head in front on the run-in but was just pegged back in the dying strides by Runfordave, who stuck his head out gamely for Jack Kennedy to get a head verdict at odds of 4/1.

Castello Sforza was a length-and-three-quarters back in third.

The winner had been third on his hurdling debut at Punchestown last month having won a bumper at Down Royal on his previous start.

"He's a smart horse, and he'd a run under his belt which the second and third didn't have,” said Elliott.

“It was a good maiden hurdle, and he probably wants a bit further. He'll step up in company now.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)