Scarlet And Dove gets revenge on Elimay

Scarlet And Dove turned the tables on Elimay in the Grade 2 Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF Glencarraig Lady Francis Flood Mares Steeplechase at Punchestown.

Elimay took the Grade 2 mares' chase at Cheltenham beating third-placed Scarlet And Dove by half a length and nose.

In this four-runner assignment over 2m5f, Scarlet And Dove led throughout, and jumped left, with Elimay tracking in second.

Elimay was niggled along in second before three out by Mark Walsh. It was at that fence that Scarlet And Dove was less than fluent, however, Elimay couldn't take advantage and she was ridden off the home bend.

She could make no impression as Scarlet And Dove powered clear before the last. The 3/1 shot beat the 8/11 favourite by 15 lengths.

Jockey Bryan Cooper said: "It was class. I just got into a lovely rhythm, it's a jumping track. I suppose when you are on a forward-going horse and you are jumping, it is one of the best places you can be really. I'm delighted.

"I didn't want to go looking for a big one at the third last, I knew I had plenty left. She was quick to fiddle away. Funny, she usually goes right but maybe she was jumping out to Elimay a little bit today.

"She picked up well going to the second last and it was a fair performance.

"She did everything right (in Cheltenham), got the split and I had a little look at the last that day and maybe it was the winning and losing but she was 25/1 that day and it was a cracking run.

"I'm delighted to ride a winner in these colours (Gigginstown House Stud) again. They have been very good to me and it is great to be here."

Trainer Joseph O'Brien said: “She ran really well in Cheltenham where she missed the last two fences and was still close to Elimay. We weren’t sure we’d beat her today but thought we’d give her a good run for her money.

“Bryan gave our filly a great positive ride today. She jumped brilliant apart from the third last. I was delighted with that.

“I suppose winning a Grade 1 would be the main objective next season. She’s a Grade 2 winner and a big mare so there is no reason why she can’t be even better next year.”

Scarlet And Dove was cut from 20/1 to 12/1 for the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham by Paddy Power.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee