Kennedy reports Grand Paradis learning well

Gordon Elliott's Grand Paradis drew right away to shed his maiden tag by nine lengths in Fairyhouse.

The grey gelding was going well on the shoulder of Gloire D'athon sweeping round the home bend and led entering the straight.

He was soon pressed by the 6/4 favourite Grand Bornand at the penultimate flight but, once he went for home, that rival had no answers.

Grand Paradis fiddled the last but powered home for a decisive victory in division two of the maiden hurdle in the first-time tongue-tie.

Grand Bornand had to settle for second, some nine and a half lengths in front of The Priests Leap (9/2 from 7/1).

“He did it very well. That was what we were expecting in Naas but he was a bit disappointing then,” said jockey Jack Kennedy.

“He jumped big that day and learned plenty, he put it to use today.

“He should get a bit further and he's a nice horse.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson