Ibsen scores despite 'a long last furlong'

The Gordon Elliott trained Ibsen claimed division two of the Velstone Work Surface Handicap at Navan today, winning narrowly under jockey Declan McDonogh.

Ibsen was strongly pressed in the closing stages by both Grey Sky Blue and Sea Bank but in the end held off those respective challenges for a head and short head success.

Elliott wasn't present but part-owner and Attheraces presenter Gary O'Brien (Home And Away Partnership) was himself quizzed, stating “it was a long last furlong! We might not even have run him if the rain hadn't come and the idea was to declare him and hope the rain came so it worked out.

“Declan (McDonogh) said he was at him the whole way and he didn't travel as well as the last day and the ground is probably as quick as he wants it.

“He could go back hurdling but will need a little ease.

“We bought him in Autumn 2014 but he didn't run until the following May. He's had a few little problems but has paid his way.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson