100 up for Elliott

Gordon Elliott registered his 100th jumps winner of the season in Ireland when his charge Robin Thyme completed a Punchestown treble for Ruby Walsh by coming home in front in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle.

The jumping of the attractive big Robin Des Champs gelding certainly wasn't without blemish, but the front-runner was good at the last and Walsh then kept him up to his work on the long run-in for a seven length win over Long Way Back

Walsh had earlier been on the mark for Willie Mullins aboard Annie Power and Bellow Mome

Elliott's assistant, Ollie Murphy said: "That's been the target for some time, and it's great for the yard to get 100 National Hunt winners in Ireland.

"This horse wants three miles and a fence, and whatever he does over hurdles is a bonus. We felt that we hadn't made enough use of him last time, and Ruby was very positive on him today."

Elliott attended the Grand National weights launch yesterday, and is staying over for the Cheltenham Sale tomorrow.

He tweeted: "Big thanks to all our owners, jockeys, staff and horses for making it possible to complete our first Irish century!!"

(AM & EM)