The Gigginstown House Stud owned, Gordon Elliott trained Burren Life got off the mark at the first attempt over hurdles at Roscommon today when landing the Roscommon On-Course Vets Maiden Hurdle under jockey Jack Kennedy.

The son of Pelder was an unlucky final fence faller for trainer Norman Lee in his only previous jumps race, a Belharbour point to point in February 2016, and was subsequently bought by current connections for £135,000, 11 days later at a Tattersalls Cheltenham Sale.

Burren Life subsequently failed to win in five bumper attempts but, receiving weight today due to his maiden status, went clear of his rivals from the second last before scoring a comfortable win over 10/11 favourite and wide-margin Listowel bumper winner Massey’s Wood.

Elliott later commented “he’s a grand big honest galloping horse and in fairness to him, some of his bumper form last year was good.

“He's a big chaser in the making for next year and whatever he does this year over hurdles will be a bonus - I’d say he wants three miles.

“It's also great for Jack (Kennedy) to ride a couple of winners again and get his confidence back. When things are going right it works out grand because he went up the inner going well (at the second last flight) and if things didn't work out he would have got stopped.”

Quotes from Gary Carson