Halka Du Tabert and Jack Kennedy in action at Naas© Photo Healy Racing
Halka Du Tabert (5/2) stayed on stoutly to make a winning transition to flights in the Care At Home Services Mares Maiden Hurdle at Naas.
She went on from her co leader Take My Hand at the fourth flight as Jack Kennedy looked to bring her stamina into play.
She was closed upon by even-money-favourite Eabha Grace turning for home but had that pursuer on the stretch between the final two flights.
Halka Du Tabert was full of running after clearing the last and moved further clear of Eabha Grace on the run-in to win by a more than decisive 11 lengths. The runner-up was some 19 lengths clear of third-placed Broomfield Bijou
Gordon Elliott said: “She’s a nice mare. She has a good high cruising speed, but just gallops at the back of it and I told Jack to make plenty of use of her today.
“I liked from the second last to the line the way she galloped. I’d say she’s smart.
“She might go next for the Solerina in Fairyhouse at the end of January.”
Paddy Power shortened Halka Du Tabert from 20/1 to 12/1 for the mares' novices' hurdle.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
