Duffle Coat too hot for his Mayo National rivals

Duffle Coat shed his maiden tag over fences with an authoritative victory in the Listed McHale Mayo National Handicap Steeplechase in Ballinrobe.

The 14/1 was always prominent in the hands of Sam Ewing over this extended 2m7f trip and closed on the leader, Toss Again two out.

Sam Ewing soon pushed him into the lead and the grey stormed ahead of his rivals racing to the last. He jumped it well and ran right away to score by eight lengths in this €100,000 feature. Salvador Ziggy kept on without threatening in second at 12/1 and was two and three-quarter lengths in front of Frontal Assault (25/1). A weakening Toss Again completed the placings in fourth at 9/1.

The first three home were all trained by Gordon Elliott, and he and Ewing teamed up for a double on the card following the success of Beacon Edge in the opener.

"I'm delighted for the horse. He's finished second a lot lately, so it's great for him to win a big pot," Ewing said.

"He was in great form and I had my hands full going down to the start on him. We went quick early and I was able to slot in just behind the leaders.

"I've been reeled in on him before when I've sent him for home, so I waited as long as I could and the better ground helped him to see it out well this time."

"He's versatile between hurdles and fences, and can even go back on the Flat as well, so hopefully there's a good summer campaign ahead of him."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan