Dortmund Park claims Grade 1 novice

They say a week is a long time in politics but Gordon Elliott will probably confirm that a lot can change in the space of 35 minutes at the Punchestown Festival as he enjoyed a welcome slice of luck when Dortmund Park landed the Grade 1 Profile Systems Champion Novice Hurdle.

The Longwood trainer looked on in disbelief as the star of his Cullentra House stables, Samcro lost his unbeaten record when falling three out in the BETDAQ 2% Commission Punchestown Champion Hurdle.

Thankfully Samcro and Jack Kennedy were none the worse for the tumble and there was a wry smile back on Elliott’s face as Dortmund Park benefitted from a melee at the second last.

The front-running Debuchet fell and badly hampered both Getabird and Scarpeta to such an extent that they both came to a standstill.

Dortmund Park was left in front and soon stretched clear under Kennedy to ultimately beat Whiskey Sour by ten lengths. Burrows Saint was another two lengths back in third.

What more drama will this Punchestown Festival serve up? The front-running Debuchet slithers before the turn-in and takes out Scarpeta and Getabird - leaving Dortmund Park (16/1) to land the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle for @gelliott_racing and @jackkennedy15: pic.twitter.com/Kh1XLn8w1A

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 27, 2018

Elliott said, “He was bought to be a good horse and looked very promising. We had to put a tongue tie on him. He’ll be a nice horse to go jumping fences next year.

“It’s great for Jack. No more than myself he’s had an up and down week but its okay now and thankfully Samcro is alright as well.”

Kennedy said, "He got the ground and everything in his favour today and it all worked out well. He was left in front a long way out but to be fair he did it well and kept going."

(TW & AM)