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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Hollow Games really impresses in chasing debut win

Sun 13th Nov 2022, 13:11

Hollow Games and Jack Kennedy win the Irish Stallion farms EBF Beginners Steeplechase at NavanHollow Games and Jack Kennedy win the Irish Stallion farms EBF Beginners Steeplechase at Navan
© Photo Healy Racing

Hollow Games put up a bold front running performance under Jack Kennedy to run out a very impressive winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Navan.

A leading novice over hurdles last season, winning at Grade 3 level, before twice finishing third in Grade 1's, he looks to have the ability to go right to the top over fences.

Sent into an early lead here, the Gordon Elliott trained gelding jumped fluently over a trip some way short of his optimum. As the field closed up on him on the run to the last, Hollow Games found an extra gear, showing an impressive turn of foot to quicken clear.

On the evidence of this performance, he could be a really exciting prospect, especially when upped in trip over the coming months.

Gordon Elliott, completing a quick double, commented; "He has a great attitude and he always looked like he was going to be a chaser last year.

"Jack was good on him, we said we would make plenty of use on him. He wants probably a bit further to be honest.

"I love the way from the third last to the line he put his head down and galloped. He jumped well and I'm very happy with him.

"We have loads of ways to go now. He is (in the Grade 1 Drinmore) and we won't make any concrete plans at the moment."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.