Croke Park lands Grade One feature to take Gordon Elliott to 99 career top-flight victories
Kempton had vivid scenes of a rejuvenated Constitution Hill and a King George masterclass by Paul Townend on Banbridge, but fog meant St Stephen’s Day fans atA 45-minute delay to the fourth race underlined how close Day One of the Christmas festival action came to disastrous disruption.
“It was borderline on occasions, pretty marginal. And it didn’t make for pretty viewing for our customers,” admitted clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer. “But everyone, riders, trainers, doctors, vets, were collectively happy to keep edging things our way. It’s a relief.” His decision to stick with the narrow Drinmore winner paid off with another photo finish verdict after Croke Park’s dogged display at Fairyhouse earlier in the month.
There was relief for Hello Neighbour’s jockey Keith Donoghue who put up 1lb overweight after a meagre Christmas diet got him to 11st. The winner was cut to 5-1 for Cheltenham’s Triumph Hurdle. “He didn’t jump properly, he’s a way better jumper than that. I’m hoping that there is a lot of improvement in his jumping. He looks a tip-top animal,” Mullins said. The winner is 12-1 for Cheltenham’s Supreme.
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