Firefox beats Ile Atlantique © Photo Healy Racing
It was certainly a trying Easter weekend for Gordon Elliott but it ended on a good note for the Cullentra handler when Firefox (1/1 fav) ran down market rival Ile Atlantique to take the Leinster Reinforcements & Brazil Piling (Pro/Am) Flat Race.
Ile Atlantique tried to make all under Patrick Mullins but Jamie Codd moved his mount, a winner at Navan in February, into second early in the straight as the other three runners dropped out of contention. Under a strong drive, Firefox wore down the front-runner inside the final furlong for a three-parts of a length success.
Codd picked up a four-day whip suspension for excessive frequency and not giving his mount time to respond.
Elliott, who lost star novice chaser Mighty Potter yesterday, said: "He's a lovely horse. We ended yesterday well and today.
“All the horses that handled the ground ran well today. We were second and third in the Irish National and they are running well. It's all about the future with these young horses.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
