Gerri completes Elliott Fairyhouse treble in impressive style

A third winner of the day for Gordon Elliott, and a second for owners Robcour, arrived in the finale at Fairyhouse as Gerri Colombe (8/13) absolutely blitzed his rivals by twenty four lengths and more.

Paddy Power and Betfair go 14/1 first show about Gerri Colombe for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, a youngster that arrived here with plenty going for him as a Lingstown point-to-point winner for Colin Bowe.

When Jamie Codd asked for more into the straight aboard Gerri Colombe, in this Racing Again January 30th (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race, a huge winning margin mightn’t have been seen as likely.

However the Saddler Maker gelding opened up from ‘the two,’ to ‘the one,’ and galloped on strongly to impressively account for fellow ‘points’ scorer, The Higher Road

Elliott and Robcour combined to win the first with Teahupoo and Elliott also struck with Aramax in the beginners chase.

“He's a nice horse. He's probably going to be a big chaser more than anything, a big staying horse down the road. We like him,” said Elliott.

“I don't think you'll see a whole lot more of him this season, he might have one more run. Obviously I'll have to talk to Brian (Acheson, owner) but these horses are all bought for the future. He's one for down the road.”

When asked if he could be a Cheltenham horse he added:- “If I put my hand on my heart I'd probably say it just mightn't be the right thing to do but obviously I'll have to speak to the owner.”

The Stewards received a report from Mr. P.L. Malone, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, that Mr T. Feeney , rider of The Higher Road , presented himself to weigh out at 2 lbs overweight which had not been declared previously under Rule 198. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he was aware that he was 2 lbs overweight earlier this morning but despite his attempts to shed the weight, he was unable to do so. He accepted that it was an error of judgement on his part. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mr T. Feeney was in breach of Rule 198(vii)(a) and they therefore fined him €150 on this occasion having taken his previous good record into consideration. The Stewards allowed Mr T. Feeney to ride The Higher Road.

The Stewards interviewed Mr D.N. O'Brien, rider of Some Legacy concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr D.N. O'Brien was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Mr D.N. O'Brien for 2 racedays.

(GC & EM)