Elusive wins war of the Ridges

Pat Smullen landed a double for the day when making all the running on Elusive Ridge to land the one mile handicap at Bellewstown.

Elusive Ridge edged out Solent Ridge by a short head with both horses returned at 9/1 having both been nibbled at 10/1 in the ring.

Harry Rogers who saddled the five-year-old gelding for the Nap Racing Syndicate from near Athlone said: “Pat just kicked on at the right time and he showed there why he is champion jockey.

“This horse stays well and he was good to win over that trip.

“He is entered at Gowran Park on Friday and that could be a possibility once I see how he comes out of this race.” Bold Thady Quill (8/1 to 6/1) completed the placings while 4/1 favourite Black N Brew who won at the track on Friday night, came home sixth.

Rogers was interviewed by the stewards regarding the improvement in form shown by his horse.

Rogers explained that Elusive Ridge got a bump last time at Leopardstown as he was about to challenge and he felt that affected the horses finishing position so today the horse was ridden handier to the pace.

The stewards accepted the explanation.