Firefox impressive in the bumper

The 11/8 favourite Firefox was a taking winner of the William Hill Play Responsibly (Pro/Am) Flat Race.

Jamie Codd took his time on the five-year-old who raced in mid-division on the outer. The Bective Stud-owned winner was pushed along to close when switched left over two furlongs out. Soon improving between horses, he led a furlong and half out and powered clear up the hill to beat Mint Boy by ten lengths.

An expensive Derby Sale purchase, Firefox was fourth over hurdles at this track in November before finishing second in a bumper at Naas.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott, another doubling up for the afternoon after Firm Footings in the opener, said: “He's good. We thought he was a fair horse and were disappointed that he got beaten in his bumper but he came on plenty from that.

“He's not going to be a horse until next year really. Whatever he does this year is only going to be a bonus.

“He obviously can't go to the Cheltenham bumper because he ran in a hurdle race. We'll probably go to Fairyhouse or Punchestown. We like him.”

Quotes from Gary Carson