Ricky Doyle receives the JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National presentation from Dylan, Harry and Olivia McNamara© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott followed up an American treble at Far Hills in New Jersey yesterday with a big-race success in Limerick's Ladbrokes Munster National today, as Ricky Doyle rode his first winner for the trainer on Gevrey (6/1).
Elliott's American raiders included seventh-placed Salvador Ziggy in the American Grand National and ran eight of today's 12 runners in Limerick's €100,000 feature race.
Doyle - successful in the 2021 Irish Grand National and in September's Kerry National on reserve Desertmore House, produced Gevrey to lead jumping the second-last and the pair held runner-up Largy Debut on the run-in.
Elliott, whose Coko Beach and Run Wild Fred finished third and fifth, wasn't present and Doyle reported “thanks to Gordon for putting me on the horse and it was because of him (having withdrawn two horses) that I ended up getting into the Kerry National as a second-reserve last month. To be able to repay him back is great."
He added “it was fairly simple the whole way around, he jumped from fence-to-fence and it was only a question of trying to stretch them coming down off the hill. I was aware he had race-fitness on his side so I wanted to use that.
“I had gone through the race 100 times beforehand but Plan A worked and he ended up doing what I planned in doing. He is only a handy-sized horse but gets from A to B very quickly.
“That's my first winner for Gordon so it's not a bad one to get. I've been going into the Gordon's for the past two seasons and while I was getting plenty opportunities, I didn't get much luck previously.
“This game is a big roundabout and you have to keep all doors open and I enjoy going to Gordon's where it's good craic and I ride some good horses. They are fun mornings and to ride a winner like this is a big bonus.”
Elliott's assistant Lisa O'Neill added “this is fantastic, we had a great day yesterday and the horses are running well.
“Gevrey always looked like there was a big pot in him and it is great for him to fulfill his potential. He has bags of stamina, loves that ground and Ricky gave him a great ride.
“Gordon came back on a flight into Dublin this morning along with Jack (Kennedy, jockey) and I'm sure they'll have a good rest tonight.”
