Swantykay scores for Holden/Meyler

Ellmarie Holden enjoyed a terrific first season as a trainer last term and began her second with a win on the opening day of the new season with Swantykay under Donagh Meyler, in the Daily Mirror Handicap Chase at Down Royal today.

Holden registered 12 jumps winners in 2016/17 and also had three flat winners in 2016 and made the perfect start to the new season as Swantykay recorded an all-out short head win over faster-finishing Net D’Ecosse.

Holden later stated “he had his ground, had his trip and Donagh (Meyler) gave him a super ride. He probably got in there to one or two a bit close but he got there. We'll keep him going. We'll have to have a look at the book and make a plan then for two or three weeks time.

"I was worried about him getting his head in front too quickly but in fairness to him he did well."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham