Elzaamsan opens his account under Josh Halford

A 22.race maiden prior to tonight, Elzaamsan made just about all under Josh Halford to register a first career success in the closing Fegentri World Championship (Q.R.) Handicap at Leopardstown.

Trained by Michael Halford and Tracey Collins, the former saw the six-year-old pass the post four-and-three-quarter-lengths in front with his son on board.

Leading from stalls, the 7/2 chance extended his lead to five lengths at halfway but was strongly pressed by Futurum Regem over a furlong out.

However, the Paul Rooney owned gelding asserted inside the final furlong to draw clear for a four-and-three-quarter-length win.

Michael Halford: “He’s a horse that was always going to have his day but has been a bit frustrating. He’s after getting a bit stronger and he got to a rating that he could win off.

“The trip brought out the best of him and the good ground. I thought it looked a good race and with Josh’s 7lb off him.

“Delighted for Paul Rooney who has been very patient and is a wonderful man to give young people opportunities. A lot of our apprentices have a lot to be grateful to him for.

“This fella jumps a hurdle well so he might go that way.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.