Elliott lands another big handicap with Black Tears

Black Tears benefitted from a patient ride by Davy Russell as Gordon Elliott saddled another valuable Leopardstown handicap this weekend in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle.

The Cullentra House trainer was on the mark yesterday with Eclair De Beaufeu in the Matheson Handicap Chase and Black Tears was another to get on top in the closing stages.

Getting a clear run was always going to be a factor in this highly competitive 27-runner event and the daughter of Jeremy was squeezed for room between horses when challenging at the final flight.

However, Russell switched her left and got a nice run up the inner to get the better of the always prominent Our Roxane

The 14/1 chance (available at 25/1 earlier in the day) had two and a half lengths to spare at the line while Concertista and Spruced Up who made a mistake at the last, finished third and fourth respectively.

Rhythm Divine was prominent when falling three out where My Sister Sarah also fell and top-weight Surin was brought down. All three riders were soon up on their feet.

Elliott said, “She's a great honest mare. She's been to every dog fight and she deserved that. She has been placed around Cheltenham and placed in numerous graded races so it's nice she got her day in the sun.

“It's great for Caren and Aidan Walsh, who are great supporters of the yard, and for Johnny Lightfoot who owns her as well. That was a brilliant pot. She's got a good pedigree so she's a valuable broodmare as well.

“Davy gave her a good ride as well. He was probably lucky he got the split up the inside.”

Betfair cut her into 25/1 (from 40/1) for the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham.

(GC & AM)