Return To Base completes quick treble for Elliott

Return To Base completed a near 288/1 treble for Gordon Elliott at Downpatrick, as she defied top-weight in the Randox Mares Handicap Hurdle.

A winner at Punchestown in May of 2022 and third on her last two starts, the Anne Marie McManus owned eight-year-old was sent off a 6/1 chance this evening, fitted with cheekpieces for just the second time.

Settled in mid-division by Danny Gilligan, the Flemensfirth bay took closer order on the approach to three out and was pushed along to challenge as they raced away from the final flight.

Ridden to the front from the furlong pole, she kept on well in the closing stages, comfortably holding off the late effort of Theonewedreamof by a length-and-three-quarters.

Returned the 3/1 favourite, the runner-up came from well off the pace under Sean Flanagan. Supported from 9/1 to 9/2, the front-running Will You Win finished another three-lengths away in third.

"She's really game," assistant trainer Lisa O'Neill commented.

"Danny gave her a good ride and always had her in a nice position. She had plenty of weight on her back, so taking the 7lb off was a big bonus.

"The drying ground probably helped her as well, some of her best form is on good ground.

"She went over fences a couple of times, she probably didn't take to that.

"It is great to see her get her head in front again.

"She has loads of stamina and the hill really suited her as well."

On three different jockeys supplying the treble, she added: "There's plenty of people behind the scenes that put so much work into it, so it is great that the lads that come in all the time get plenty of chances as well."

Elliott earlier struck with Kelly's Birr (Corey McGivern) and Ossifer Hops (Denis O'Regan).

STEWARDS REPORT

The Raceday Stewards received a request from E. D. Delany, trainer of Bint Alsarab to substitute the nominated rider C.J. Orr, with S. D. Torrens, as he had failed to arrive. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards allowed the request.

The Raceday Stewards, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 196(v) fined C. J. Orr E200 for failing to present himself to be weighed out.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham