Soldier off the mark on grey day at Naas

Grey Soldier made it third time lucky over flights, overcoming a shortage of room going to the last to go on and beat the front-running Monastrell by two and a half lengths in the Paddy Power Cheltenham Trial Sunday 21st February Maiden Hurdle.

The victorious grey son of Galileo was covered up by Davy Russell, sporting the Gigginstown House Stud silks, before being sent about his business from the back of the last to justify odds of 4/7.

Gordon Elliott, the winning trainer, admitted to have being worried for a stride or two before the last and he commented: "He did it well. He deserved to win on form (2nd to Prince Of Fire and Rite Of Passage previously).

"He is a good horse but he'll be better on better ground. He'll come back here next for a Grade 2 novice hurdle and then we'll look at Fairyhouse and Punchestown for him. He definitely won't go to Cheltenham this year."