Blinkers do the trick as Ellie Mac returns to winning form

Ellie Mac appreciated the addition of blinkers when returning to form in the featured Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle at odds of 8/1 in Punchestown.

The Court Cave mare, owned by the Niccolai Schuster Horse Racing Club, was recording her fourth career win but her first in nearly two years.

The seven-year-old struck the front after three out under Rachael Blackmore in this extended 2m7f event, and just got the better of a tremendous battle with Mister Fogpatches on the run-in.

A half a length separated the pair at the line, with Cherif De L’isle four and three quarter lengths further adrift in third.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said, “I’m delighted for the syndicate and all credit to John Schuster who suggested trying her in blinkers. They seem to have done the trick.”