Icario and Davy Russell clear the last © Photo Healy Racing
Icario gained an overdue success over hurdles when claiming the opener at Down Royal this afternoon.
The Gordon Elliott-trained Gigginstown gelding had been placed nine times over timber before today's race and been runner-up in seven of those.
He was ridden along to challenge before the second last, by Davy Russell, in today's two mile contest and inherited the lead at that flight when long-time leader Itsaonglongroad crashed out.
The 13/8 shot stayed on well in the closing stages to repel the effort of 11/8 favourite Free Ranger by three-and-three-quarter lengths.
Elliott said afterwards: "He's been trying a long time so he deserves that. I'd say he'll go chasing."
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
