Three Stripe Life makes perfect start over fences

After saddling the runner-up in the first four races at Naas and another one at Cheltenham, Gordon Elliott finally got on the scoresheet this afternoon, winning the Mongey Communications Beginners Chase with Three Stripe Life

Successful at the highest level over flights, the Leading Light six-year-old was expected to deliver on his chasing debut, going off the clear 1/2 favourite.

In front early on, the bay victor was soon settled in second by Davy Russell and jumped well throughout in the colours of Kenny Haughey, Laura Haughey and Kieran Byrne.

He closed on the leader, Grand Jury (2/1), approaching the second last and was soon left clear, going on to score easily by 12-lengths.

The Oliver McKiernan-trained Unexpected Depth (15/2) filled the runner-up spot under Phillip Enright, while Ballykeel (16/1) was another nine-lengths back in third.

Unfortunately Grand Jury was fatally injured after his fall two out.

"We knew he would come on plenty for it as he's plenty big enough. It's a nice starting point and Davy said he had a good blow," Elliott revealed.

"He did everything right. Rachael made it a good honest race but Davy said he was happy that he had her covered.

"The Drinmore is the plan now and he'll go to Fairyhouse."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee