Suitor scores despite market drift

The easy to back Suitor got off the mark on just his second start over flights, as he took the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.

Previously trained in the UK by Brian Ellison and successful on the level at Newcastle, the son of Dutch Art was sold for 16,000 pounds at Goffs last August.

He put in an encouraging display when third on his debut for Gordon Elliott at Down Royal early last month, and he was sent off at 8s this afternoon, drifting from an early show of just 3/1.

Settled in mid-division by Chris Meehan, the chestnut victor took closer order from four out.

He came with his challenge on the outer before the second last, and led narrowly before the final flight, keeping on well under pressure on the run-in, going on to score by two lengths. Sympa Des Flos who was sent off the 9/10 favourite, couldn't match the winner on the run-in, and he had to settle for second under Niall Kelly for Willie Mullins.

The front two went nine lengths clear of the James Nash trained All Good Things in third. Cathal Landers was aboard this 25/1 chance. One First Cut (10/1) was still in with every chance when unseating Donal McInerney at the second last.

The winner received a fine reception on arriving back to the parade ring, and Elliott said afterwards: "It's their (Goldman Racing Syndicate) first horse and it's nice to see a bit of that (enthusiasm); they're all from Kilmessan, Co Meath and there's a heap of them in the syndicate.

"He (Meehan) said he was flat out early and he jumped great. The further he went the better he got. We bought him as a dual purpose horse and he should be a fun horse and they've had a winner now so they're delighted!"

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards requested a report from J. Mulvihill, rider of Boherard Boy trained by C.Byrnes. The rider reported that his mount heaved going up the back, where he sat up to give him a chance to fill his lungs enabling him to finish out the race. He added that he is very familiar with the animal as he rides him out every day and felt this was the best way to ride him. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Stewards fined John Gerard Fitzgerald, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of First Crusade in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes