Glory for well-backed Cape

The Gordon Elliott trained Cape Glory showed his elders how its done as he took the Down Royal Punter Pack Hurdle.

The youngest horse in the field at four and getting weight all round, he was settled in mid-division as Silk Hall went into a clear lead.

He came under pressure before the third last and it was until before the last that he got to the front.

Silk Hall came with a renewed effort on the run-in but under a strong Brian O’Connell drive Cape Glory picked up again and he went on to score by a length and a half.

Silk Hall had to settle for second under Eddie O’Connell for James Lambe at 14/1, while Maxim Gorky (3/1) was a further three and three parts of a length back in third.

The winner, who won his maiden hurdle at Punchestown on his last start, was sent off the 2/1 favourite after being backed from his opening show on-course of 10/3.

Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "We'll try and find a little winners race for him. He's improving, but he's still a bit lairy in front.

"There might be a race for him in Bellewstown. We'll take it day by day."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham