Motown Maggie in the groove over fences

Motown Maggie (10/3) made a winning debut over fences in the Ballygarry Estate (Mares) Novice Chase to complete a double for Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell.

Easy-to-back 11/10 favourite Darrens Hope underperformed and, having tracked the leaders, Russell allowed his mare to stride on in front after four out. She kept on well to readily account for Optional Mix by four and a quarter lengths.

Elliott said: “She jumped great. We were thinking about going to Roscommon on Monday but the owners wanted to have a runner in Listowel and they'll enjoy that.

“We could maybe look at the Cheltenham meeting in November for her. I'd say she could step up in trip as well.

“She probably wouldn't want real winter ground but other than that she'd be okay.”

Quotes from Gary Carson