Irish Envoy strikes on handicap debut

Irish Envoy bounced back to form to land the Paddy Power 'Keep Your Elbows In' Handicap Hurdle.

Successful on debut in a bumper at Naas in March of last year, the Liz Doyle-trained five-year-old was second on his penultimate start before disappointing at Downpatrick most recently.

Making his debut in handicap company this afternoon and stepping up in trip to two-and-a-half miles for the first time, the Well Chosen bay was sent off a 16/1 chance.

Settled behind the leaders by Tom Harney, the 102-rated victor took closer order from three out and edged to the front before the last.

Soon strongly pressed by Downtherefordancin he pulled out more in the closing stages, going on to prevail by half-a-length in the colours of the Irish Envoy Partnership.

The runner-up was returned at 12/1 for the double seeking pair of Keith Donoghue and Gavin Cromwell, while Tideways Hero (14/1) and Lady Iseult (33/1) were third and fourth respectively.

Sent off the 5/1 favourite, Down Under finished a respectable sixth in this ultra-competitive 22-runner affair.

"I wasn't mad about topweight but I'm here because of the ground and I thought Tom was good value for his 7lbs," Doyle revealed.

"He hasn't been easy to train and has had mucus issues. Hopefully he's putting it behind him. He's five now and his immune system is starting to help me a bit rather than hinder.

"He was green there in his first handicap but I think it's definitely his trip.

"He has a great attitude and hopefully fences are there for him - he jumped so well for his first handicap.

"His jumping kept him in it today when he was a little bit behind the bridle."

STEWARDS REPORTS

S.D. Torrens, rider of That's About Right trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount took a stumble on the approach to the second last. Having viewed a recording of the incident and considered the matter the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

B.W. Harvey, rider of Morning Logic trained by Thomas Coyle, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout.

K.M. Donoghue, rider of Downtherefordancin (GB), trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left after the last.

G. Brouder, rider of Rebel Waltz trained by T.J. Nagle Jr., reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost its action and was pulled up.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Liz Doyle, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Irish Envoy, placed first, as compared with its most recent run. Liz Doyle stated that her charge ran very disappointingly last time out but despite her best efforts she was unable to establish a reason for the poor run. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee