Fil Dor and Davy Russell chase down Lunar Power and Bryan Cooper© Photo Healy Racing
Davy Russell always looked happy that odds-on favourite Fil Dor (4/7) would find what was required over the closing couple of flights, and the French-bred grey did just that in the Grade 3 Bar One Racing Price Boost Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
That’s certainly not to suggest that the Caldwell Construction Ltd-owned and Gordon Elliott-trained three-year-old didn’t have to work for his length and a quarter victory.
Runner-up Lunar Power lost no caste in defeat at all, as is shown by the distance the front pair left back to the third. It was Feigh that took the bronze medal, eleven lengths behind.
Two from two in Ireland after a debut second placing in France in the summer, Fil Dor is 9/2 market-leader from 5s for the Triumph Hurdle with Paddy Power, after getting the upper hand on the run-in in this two miler.
"Davy said he was just professional and was asleep the whole way. He gave him one dig and he did what he had to do," commented Elliott.
"A bit of softer ground would suit him better but it was a nice performance and he did it well. Lunar Power brought him a little left so he needed the good jump at the last.
"We will look at Leopardstown over Christmas but ground will be a thing so we will put him in Chepstow as well."
Boyles: 6/1 unchanged for Triumph
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Sevenal (GB), ridden by D.G. Hogan, and trained by Denis Gerard Hogan. Evidence was heard from D.G. Hogan who stated that his intentions were to jump off at the back and get his mount to settle as he can be very keen. He added he was happy with the way the race went although his mount did run quiet keen in snatches. Despite this he felt he still had a chance of better prize money turning in but was a little disappointed Sevenal (GB) didn't pick up better in the straight. He felt he had finished in his best possible place despite losing his whip after the last. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Sevenal (GB) was lame behind post race. Samples were taken for further analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
(TW & EM)
