Dortmund Park gives red hot team a good start to 2018

Dortmund Park maintained the great momentum of 2017 for Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell when landing the Happy New Year Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

On start two for connections and with a first-time tongue strap fitted the French-bred victor got the better of Catwalk King by three parts of a length. Thermistocles was a nicely supported 11/2 chance for the Joseph O'Brien yard and he finished two and a half lengths back in third.

Sean Flanagan was stood down for the day after a fall from Monstrosity

"He's a nice big horse and a chaser in the making. He's still raw. Davy said that real heavy ground was a bit of a struggle for him there today but he's a nice horse and a horse for the future," said Elliott.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Bang Bang Rosie trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

J.J. Burke, rider of Dont Stop trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly and pulled up thereafter.

(AM & EM)