Wolfslair wins on handicap debut

After a disappointing defeat for Apple's Jade in the previous contest, Wolfslair got things back on track for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud (both completing doubles) in the Allianz Handicap Hurdle.

Unplaced on his first three starts in maiden company, the son of Yeats was given a mark of 98 by the handicapper, and he was sent off the 9/2 favourite today (drifted from 3's) with David Mullins in the saddle.

Settled behind the leaders, the five-year-old victor took closer order from the fourth last, and travelled best to lead before two out.

He was pushed along after that flight, and kept on well on the run-in, going on to score by two and a half lengths. Boris Boru was the gamble of the race. Available at 33/1 last night, the Sarah Dawson trained five-year-old opened on-course at 20's before going off at just 7/1.

He came with his challenge two out, but couldn't hold off Wolfslair, and had to settle for second under Adam Short. Oscar Buzz (16/1), in a first time hood, finished a length and three parts back in third under Chris Timmons for Eddie Cawley, while Degenerous (16/1) was another length back in fourth under Mark Bolger for Sarah Dawson.

Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "It probably wasn't the strongest race in the world and he is probably not much of a horse but today was his day, and he has had his day in the sun.

"It's nice to have a winner in Down Royal, we try to support this meeting as much as we can. It's a great racecourse and they are good people, so it's nice to get a winner.

"I'd imagine he'll be jumping a fence sooner rather than later."

The winner is a half-brother to Hardline who won a bumper at Thurles yesterday.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham