Three for Elliott & Ewing as Firefox strikes on chasing debut

Adding his name to an illustrious roll of honour, Firefox completed a short price treble for Gordon Elliott and a first three-timer for Sam Ewing in the Mongey Communications Beginners Chase.

Successful in the bumper on this very card 12-months ago, the Walk In The Park six-year-old beat Ballyburn on his next start.

Subsequently placed three times at the highest level, the high class bay was expected to deliver this afternoon on what was his debut over fences, going off the clear favourite at 2/7.

Soon joined for the lead by Mossy Fen Park (4/1), the Bective Stud-owned victor jumped well throughout and travelled best from the third last.

Skipping a few lengths clear from the next, he was pushed out on the run-in to see off his aforementioned rival by three and a half lengths.

"I think he's good, he's a real two miler and we are happy with him. I could see him coming back in trip," Elliott reflected.

"He probably learned more today than any novice chase. Sam said he just gave him a squeeze coming down the hill and he picked up.

"He said he had a good blow after the last.

"He was very good and he always jumped a hurdle like he wanted (a fence)."

When asked about the Drinmore over 2m4f at Fairyhouse, he replied: "He'll be entered for it anyway, but hopefully we will have something else for that."

Elliott and Ewing were earlier successful with The Yellow Clay and Brighterdaysahead with the former also carrying the colours of Bective Stud.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham