Donal Murphy
Elusive an easy winner under Halpin for Feane
Elusive In Paris and Gary Halpin pictured on their way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing
Elusive In Paris continued the pattern that has developed in his form - now 212121, as he took the Jogforjockeys.ie Apprentice Handicap in convincing fashion.
Claimed for E8,000 Dundalk in April, the seven-year-old son of Elusive City has now won three for his new connections of trainer Johnny Feane and owner Orlagh Reynolds.
Sent off the 5/2 second favourite this evening, he was settled in mid-division before improving into fourth as they entered the straight.
He cruised through to lead from the two furlong pole, and he was ridden out from there, keeping on well inside the final furlong to score easily by four lengths. Clifton Miss (9's to 13/2 on-course) finished second under Daniel Redmond for Tracey Collins, while Rockview Emperor was a length back in third under Denis Linehan for Noel Dooly at 20/1. Whippers Dream (11/2) completed the placings a further half a length back in fourth, while the well-backed Worth Avenue (8/1 this morning and from 9/2 to 9/4 on-course) finished a disappointing ninth under Keith Moriarty for Bill Farrell.
Johnny Feane said afterwards: "We were a little bit worried about the weight today but he won so we're happy.
"He was all out today so the handicapper can't be too hard on us. It's good, Orlagh has been a lucky owner."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Anastasia O'Brien, rider of Elusive Leona trained by C.P.Donoghue, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount fly leaped and lost her position when leading the field at the eight furlong marker.
W.T. Farrell, trainer of Worth Avenue, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge ran flat during this race
Michael G. Cleary, trainer of Sinndar Sandy reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was found to be in season post race.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson