Elliott mare gains important success

"I'm after getting three falls the past three days and I was stood down yesterday. It's great to get a change of luck," said Jack Kennedy after Definite Ruby repeated her 2016 win in the Grade B Hanlon Concrete European Breeders Fund Glencarraig Lady Mares Handicap Chase at Punchestown.

This was another important success for Gordon Elliott in his quest to hold off Willie Mullins for the champion trainer 2016/17 crown.

Kennedy asked 7/1 shot Definite Ruby to go and put her seal on the two mile five furlong event from before the final fence.

She'd travelled well through the race and the nine-year-old daughter of Definite Article wasn't found wanting when more was required as she raced to a length and three parts win over the favourite, Slowmotion

"If I can go into tomorrow anywhere near him (Willie Mullins) at all I've a lot of guns to fire then," said Elliott.

"She won the race last year and we said we would come back for it. I'd say she didn't stay in the Ulster National, and we trained her for here then. The owner is very patient and Jack gave her a great ride."

The Cullentra House Stables operator also revealed: "Davy Condon is going to assist us. He will be a massive addition to the place as he's a very good work rider, and he's going to be in charge of all the schooling of the horses.

"He's been passed to ride out after his injury, and all is okay with him.

"Obviously Ollie (Murphy) is going home and I have Busty Almond, and Davy is going to assist him. It's a big team effort and Simon McGonagle is my right-hand man. He's the head man."

(AM & EM)