Squouateur progressing nicely for Elliott

J P McManus saw his colours carried home in the first two positions in the Easter Festival 27th — 29th March Handicap Hurdle as the Gordon Elliott-trained Squouateur (Mark Walsh) beat Christy Roche's Coolaghknock Glebe (Alan Crowe) by a length and three parts.

Much of the pre-race attention focused on the front two in the betting, Mall Dini and favourite Townshend However, they finished four lengths and a length and a quarter off the McManus duo, in third and fourth.

Squouateur made his way through from mid-division approaching the second last, he led before the last and kept on well in the closing stages for the win.

"There was a lot of talk about a few horses in the race but it may not have been as good a race as we thought. I'll try to find something for him over here," remarked Elliott.

"He keeps surprising me as he just does what he has to do at home. I suppose it's a good way to have it."

The Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after jumping the second last hurdle involving Mall Dini, ridden by D.N. Russell, Townshend (GER), ridden by R. Walsh, and Sam Red (FR), ridden by S.A. Shortall, where it appeared Mall Dini suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion the interference was accidental and they took no further action

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Golan Lodge trained by Paul Nolan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran keen, struggled to pick up and was pulled up.

C.D. Maxwell, rider of Shamiran trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled on the ground.

(AM & EM)