Icario gains overdue win

Icario gained an overdue success over hurdles when claiming the opener at Down Royal this afternoon.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Gigginstown gelding had been placed nine times over timber before today's race and been runner-up in seven of those.

He was ridden along to challenge before the second last, by Davy Russell, in today's two mile contest and inherited the lead at that flight when long-time leader Itsaonglongroad crashed out.

The 13/8 shot stayed on well in the closing stages to repel the effort of 11/8 favourite Free Ranger by three-and-three-quarter lengths.

Elliott said afterwards: "He's been trying a long time so he deserves that. I'd say he'll go chasing."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)