Jigoro and Jack Kennedy are clear at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Jigoro looks another useful prospect for Bective Stud and Gordon Elliott after making most to take the opening 26-runner Mervyn Gray Construction Maiden Hurdle in fine style at Navan.
The four-year-old gelding was second on his only Flat start in France earlier this year and also filled the runner-up spot when switched to hurdles on his first start for current connections at Cork last month.
The 5/2 chance had his task eased somewhat when 15/8 favourite Milo Lises unseated Paul Townend after a mistake at the third while another three rivals departed at the first flight.
However, there was plenty to like about the way Jack Kennedy’s mount asserted on the long run between the final two hurdles and he kept on strongly on the run-in to score by nine lengths. Butcher Hollow could find no extra approaching the last but held off Jasko Des Dames by half-a-length for second place.
Elliott said, "It was a good performance and we knew he had improved plenty from the first day.
“Obviously there was a lot of talk about Tom Cooper's horse and I thought it was a good performance.
“Jack was delighted with him and said he'll stay further. He said a faster gallop would have suited him but he was very happy with the run.
“He could go for the four-year-old hurdle at Limerick over Christmas.”
Quotes by Gary Carson
