Aidan Howard carried over his good form from the weekend, adding to the prize-money secured at Navan on Saturday with El Tren, as Thefaithfulindian triumphed in the Elphin Handicap, the closer at Roscommon.

Unlucky in running at Leopardstown last time, the five-year-old Frozen Power mare deservedly shed her maiden tag on this occasion at the seventeenth time of asking (both codes).

Many held chances until late in the day in this near mile and a half contest, and when in the clear Thefaithfulindian found plenty for Mark Enright (his first time aboard) to beat one of the ‘finishers,’ Ally Cay by half a length.

“Billy (Lee) gave her a fine ride the last day but she just couldn’t get a run. We were very hopeful coming here and Mark gave her a lovely ride,” said Howard.

“The gaps opened today and she’s done it well. She’s a tricky filly and the lads at home have done a great job.

“She’s entered a few times later in the week at Punchestown and Down Royal and we’ll have a look.”

(AM & EM)