Third time lucky for Pallasator

Pallasator made it third time lucky over flights, as he took the Donohoe Marquees Maiden Hurdle.

An eight time winner on the level, the nine-year-old gelding was fifth on his debut over flights at Naas in November, before finishing fourth to Dis Donc on his most recent start at Navan.

Sent off a 2/1 chance this afternoon, the son of Motivator led in the early stages, before dropping to second with just under a circuit to race.

He regained the lead on the run to the last, and soon stretched clear under Davy Russell, going on to score by seven and a half lengths. Dunvegan (4/1) plugged on to take second under Andrew Lynch for Pat Fahy, while the well-backed favourite Jetez (5/2 to 15/8 on-course, and from 7/2 this morning) was a disappointing fourth under Robbie Power for Jessica Harrington.

Ian Amond, Elliott's assistant, said afterwards: "He obviously has plenty of ability, and it was grand to get his head in front. It was probably a weak enough race but it will give him plenty of confidence, and hopefully he can kick on from that.

"I'd say better ground will probably suit him. Every race he's behaving himself more and more, and if he stays doing that he'll be alright."

Davy Russell added: "Sheikh Fahad enjoys watching them and is very pleased that he's made the transition. All owners want is winners, and hopefully it may open up the door to some more in those colours."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee