Elliott completes cross-card four-timer

Trainer Gordon Elliott completed a cross-card four-timer today in Cork's Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, scoring easily with Cheltenham festival-placed mare Halka Du Tabert (4/7f).

Grade 1-placed twice in last season's novice hurdle campaign, the Kenny Alexander-owned today made almost all of the running and while her jumping was sticky early-on, scored emphatically by 20 lengths from Feddans

Elliott's earlier winner at the Munster venue was Tactical Affair while, at Punchestown where he attended, Shannon Royale and Bob Cigar scored for the on-fire trainer.

At Cork, winning jockey Jordan Gainford, completing a personal double, said “Halka Du Tabert was a smart mare over hurdles and was very good today. We got down to the start and she wanted to get on with the job and is entitled to come on from the run, as she was gassy and fresh.

“She will be better in a better race with a stronger gallop and will come on a lot from today. She is fine and scopey, her jumping was very good and she had a run in a point-to-point for James Doyle so had plenty schooling done.

“This is a lovely starting point and hopefully can improve.”