Michael Graham
Elliott and Kennedy fire in double through Landrake
Jack Kennedy steers Landrake in
© Photo Healy Racing
Landrake put in a strong staying performance to land the Close Brothers Rated Novice Hurdle over an extended two and a half miles at Fairyhouse.
He was challenged by the morning-price mover Carrig Rock on the run to the penultimate flight, however, he began to crank up the pressure after jumping it.
He soon increased his lead for Jack Kennedy and moved clear by the last as he stayed on stoutly to score by six and a half lengths at 7/1. Dovlator (18/1) finished second and he was three and a half lengths in front of Ottoman Style (18/1).
This brought up a double on the card for Gordon Elliott who said: “He’s a nice big horse and doesn’t do anything at home, he’s very laidback. He has a good attitude and you’d like what he’s done there.
“He’s a big chaser looking at him and will get further.”
Landrake supplemented a maiden hurdle victory in Clonmel last month.
Elliott took the opening beginners' chase via Minella Crooner who was also partnered by Kennedy.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee