Mitchouka back to winning ways in style

The Gordon Elliott-trained Mitchouka proved a cut above his three rivals when running out an easy winner of the four-year-old hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The Gigginstown gelding produced a fine round of jumping and leapt up to join stable-mate Veneer Of Charm at the fourth last.

A superior jump at the third last gave him the advantage over his rival and he had his field on the stretch turning for home.

Davy Russell 's mount quickened away from the last and was easing down passing the line to record an eight-length success.

The winner had been placed behind leading juvenile hurdler Espoir D'allen on his last two outings.

“He’s a grand honest horse and hasn’t done anything wrong all year. He ran up against a good horse of Gavin (Cromwell)’s a few times,” said Elliott.

“He’s probably a horse more for the Fred Winter but as long as he keeps picking up prize-money we’re happy.

“The Fred Winter is only about half a stone between top and bottom now, and you can’t be clever in handicaps there anymore because you won’t get in if you are!

“He’ll be entered in Leopardstown (Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle) and we’ll see where we go.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)