Unheralded Definite Plan comes forward for top team

His most recent efforts in point-to-points were very under-whelming (ppp/p-) but Definite Plan made light of that fact and a 509 day break to take the Molson Coors Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick.

Starting off for Gordon Elliott with Davy Russell in the plate, Definite Plan didn’t go un-supported, finding a starting price of 16/1 from an opening show of 20/1.

Well-backed favourite Cherokee Bill (11/4 into 2/1) left the door open on the inner for Definite Plan from the last.

Six lengths eventually split them at the line.

"He hadn't been showing much at home so we said we would give him a run and see where we are," said Elliott.

"I think he pulled up in four or five point-to-points and listen Davy (Russell) gave him a good ride.

"It's great for James (Reilly) and his wife - they are big supporters of the yard and it is nice for them to get a winner.

"He won snug and he might to to England for a novice hurdle."

This was Russell's first win since August 3rd at the Galway Summer Festival. He'd been on the sidelines for the majority of the intervening period.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Blue Jacaranda trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis.

P. Townend, rider of Blue Jacaranda trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

(MG & EM)