Nallen's National Day winner scores over hurdles

Minella Crooner began his career on a famous racing day last April and today added Punchestown's Hollywoodbets Powering Maiden Hurdle to an already useful haul, for trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Jack Kennedy.

The son of Shantou won on point-to-point debut for John Nallen at Cork racecourse last April 10, two hours before the owner/handler's pointing graduate Minella Times famously won the Grand National for jockey Rachael Blackmore.

Thirteen days later, Minella Crooner was sold to Elliott and current owner David Barnard for £70,000 and subsequently won bumpers at Sligo and Punchestown.

On his second hurdles start today and stepping back up to three miles, Minella Crooner (2/5f) went clear of main rival Eye Van early in the home straight and scored easily by 11 lengths.

Elliott, earlier successful with the Kennedy-partnered The Tide Turns said “he's a grand honest horse. He doesn't do anything fancy at home but he keeps winning and they are the ones you want.

“We might look at the three-mile race in Clonmel (Grade 3 Powerstown Novice Hurdle, February 17) for him, that would look the race to go for.”

Quotes from Gary Carson