Domitian battles gamely for bumper success

Domitian followed-up on a highly encouraging debut effort, as she justified favouritism in the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares INH Flat Race.

Second to Uisce Solas in a winners bumper at Tipperary, the Gordon Elliott trained chestnut was expected to go one place better this evening and was sent off the even money favourite.

Settled behind the leaders by Lisa O'Neill, the Getaway four-year-old was pushed along to challenge from early in the straight.

She soon found herself in a share of the lead and while she looked vulnerable for a couple of strides, she battled gamely in the closing stages to prevail by half a length.

Newcomer Hophornbeam ran a huge race to take second at 33/1, while Eva's Diva (4/1) was another length back in third after having a far from clear passage.

Ian Amond, assistant to Gordon Elliott, said afterwards: "I'm not sure if they will keep her on the go or give her a break. Lisa said she put her stick down near the line and won snug enough.

"She was unlucky the last day so it was nice to get her head in front."

The Gigginstown House Stud owned victor, who was bought for E36,000 as a three-year-old is a half-brother to Cross Kenon and Sumos Novios.

Elliott was completing an across the card double, having earlier scored with Borice in Uttoxeter. Daryl Jacob was aboard this 2/5 chance who made all in a novice hurdle, coming home all of thirty-five lengths to the good.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee