Ellipsism lands gamble in first time blinkers

Ellipsism justified strong support when taking the Clonmel Handicap Hurdle in very convincing fashion.

The four-year-old was fitted with cheek-pieces when making a winning handicap debut at Kilbeggan last month and, after finishing in mid-division at Listowel, the addition of blinkers here resulted in another three-mile success.

Joseph O’Brien’s charge was backed from 12/1 into 11/2 this morning and further supported on track into 4/1 favourite.

JJ Slevin oozed confidence as the youngster asserted early in the straight and stayed on strongly after two out to score by seven lengths.

Classic Concorde kept on one paced in second with Premier D’troice another four and a quarter lengths adrift in third.

Slevin said, "He stays well and the blinkers made a big difference to him.

"Hugh (Morgan) won on him at Kilbeggan and things didn't go his way the last day and he probably needed the blinkers as he just needed an excuse to get out of it the last day.

"You'd be hoping he'd jump a fence some day."

(TW & AM)