Samcro completes Elliott five-timer

Samcro completed a Navan four-timer for his trainer Gordon Elliott, and his fifth winner of the day overall, as he took the last at the Co Meath venue, the Listed Future Champions INH Flat Race.

Successful on his debut in a point-to-point at Monksgrange for Colin Bowe in April, the son of Germany then changed hands for a massive 335,000 pounds.

He won well on his racecourse debut at Punchestown last month, and was expected to follow-up today, going off the clear 1/3 favourite under Jamie Codd (earlier completed a double at his local point-to-point at Lingstown in Co Wexford).

Sent straight to the front, the Gigginstown House Stud owned gelding made all, but needed to be ridden out inside the final furlong to see off the challenge of Good Thyne Tara by half a length.

The runner-up was returned at 5/2 under Katie Walsh for Willie Mullins, while Ballinderry Moth was six and a half lengths back in third.

Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "He's a lovely horse, and we like him a lot. Jamie said it was real cat and mouse, and he would have done more in a gallop at home.

"He may only have one more run this season. He could have a month off and look at Fairyhouse or Punchestown. He's a horse for the future."

Paddy Power introduced the winner at 14/1 for the Cheltenham Bumper, with Getabird the current 5/1 favourite for that contest.

Meanwhile they bet the Irish trainers championship: Willie Mullins 8/11 (from 4/6), Gordon Elliott 1/1 (from 11/10).

Additional reporting by Alan Magee