Pallasator (Davy Russell) overcomes a mistake at the last to win the Underwriting Exchange Novice Hurdle© Photo Healy Racing
Former smart Flat performer Pallasator landed the Grade Two Underwriting Exchange Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Winner of the 2015 Doncaster Cup for Sir Mark Prescott, he had his attentions switched to hurdling late in life.
There was little confidence behind the nine-year-old in the market and he was sent off at 12-1 against several rivals who had run well at Cheltenham, including Martin Pipe winner Blow By Blow
But the finish was between two horses who skipped Prestbury Park, in Pallasator and Jessica Harrington's Jetz
Pallasator and Davy Russell would have been happy the pace was steady throughout in testing ground and he strolled clear in the straight, with the race seemingly in the bag, only to slow right up coming to the last.
That gave Jetz one more chance and he had the momentum, but Pallasator picked up again and won by two and a quarter lengths to give the title-chasing Gordon Elliott yet another winner.
Elliott said: "He's a good horse and would prefer better ground.
"He'll go to Punchestown, all being well."
