The Greek edges out Belgoprince in a thriller

Gordon Elliott continued what has already been a good day, with winners at all three Irish meetings, as The Greek just came out on top following a superb finish to the Tri Equestrian Novice Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The 14/1 chance has been a frustrating sort in the past but after travelling sweetly to challenge at the last, needed to dig deep to just get the better of Belgoprince by a nose. The pair came close on the run-in but the result was confirmed after a stewards enquiry. Ferdia was six-and-a-half lengths back in third with The Gradual Slope completing the places in fourth.

This completed a quick double on the afternoon for jockey Davy Russell, having also won aboard the Elliott-trained Fil Dor in the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle.

Elliott said, “Davy gave him a great ride. He was headed and he came back. I was worried about the ground today and he’s been unlucky a few times.”

Russell said, “I got a great jump at the last and Peter (Carberry) missed it.

“He battled tenaciously up the straight. I felt going to the last that I had everything covered but we had to battle hard all the way.”