Chief Justice (Davy Russell nearside) beat Coeur Sublime (Bryan Cooper)© Photo Healy Racing
A tremendous conclusion to the Grade Three 30 Free Bet BARONERACING.COM Juvenile Hurdle saw trainer Gordon Elliott emerge with a 1-2 as Chief Justice (5/1) pipped Coeur Sublime (5/6 into 8/11) in the opener at Fairyhouse.
"My horse jumped very well over the last couple of hurdles," said winning rider Davy Russell after the Cheveley Park Stud Acclamation gelding displayed a great attitude to tough it out best from his odds-on stable companion, with the victor conceding seven pounds.
Just a short head split them and they drew on by nine and a half lengths from the front-running Lever Du Soleil
Paddy Power now go 25/1 from 40/1 about Chief Justice for the Triumph Hurdle but Russell remarked: "Obviously he's not as good as the horse in England (beaten by Cracker Factory at Wetherby last time) and that's probably a marker on it really.
"The Thompsons (Cheveley Park Stud) are a real sporting family and it's just a pleasure to ride for them."
Meanwhile Elliott remarked: “The other horse (Coeur Sublime) was a bit unlucky as he got a bit under the second last and the other lad got first run on him.
“The winner gave him 7lb so it was a fair performance. I thought Coeur Sublime was the horse to beat but this lad (Chief Justice) is a bit of a monkey and obviously has plenty up his sleeve.”
Boylesports leave Coeur Sublime unchanged at 16/1 for the Triumph Hurdle, whilst they've introduced Chief Justice at the same price.
(AM & EM)
