A great shot of Woods Well and Mark Enright who survived this last fence blunder© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott joined fellow Meath man Noel Meade with a Leopardstown training double, Woods Well popping up at odds of 14/1 in the featured Grade B TRI Equestrian Handicap Chase.
Elliott shared his first winner, the Jack Kennedy-ridden Tombstone with Gigginstown House Stud, and the County Westmeath outfit also own Woods Well.
Mark Enright did very well to get Woods Well home by three parts of a length and a length and a quarter after his mount made a bad mistake at the last.
Galway Plate winning rider Enright lost an iron but himself and Woods Well were not to be denied in a return to form for the chestnut.
“He seemed to enjoy the bit of easier ground there. He jumped a lot better and travelled better. I’ll have to speak to Eddie and Michael but I’d say there is a good chance he’ll go for the Kim Muir," said Elliott.
“It was easier ground when he won in October and he always looked happy today.”
On plans for his top horses the Cullentra House handler explained: “Samcro will gallop on Tuesday and I’ll know what we are going to do then. All of our Cheltenham horses will gallop on Tuesday.”
The Stewards requested a report from Gordon Elliott, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Woods Well, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge jumped well on this occasion and appeared to appreciate the wet under foot conditions, which had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
(AM & EM)
