Elliott winner set for Fred Winter Hurdle

The Gordon Elliott trained Hostile Fire booked his Cheltenham Festiva, ticket when making it third time lucky over hurdles at Fairyhouse today, winning the Online Discounts @ fairyhouse.ie Maiden Hurdle under Davy Condon.

A four times flat handicap winner in Britain before joining Elliott, the son of Iffraaj travelled well to lead entering the home straight and responded well when briefly pressurised by runner-up Zafayan before the final flight, eventually beating that rival by three lengths.

Elliott later stated "I'd say that wasn't a great race but he won. Davy said he was very keen with the wind behind him."

"He travelled like a nice horse and will probably go for the Fred Winter now at Cheltenham - that's the plan as he's had three runs now."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson