Sanibel Island races on under Denis O'Regan from Grand Partner© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott saddled his third winner in as many races when Sanibel Island (6s into 4s) supplied Denis O'Regan with his second success of the day in the Kilberry Handicap Hurdle at Navan.
Sanibel Island's intended rider, Davy Russell, hurt his arm in a fall from Baltazar D'Allier in the opener, and though he rode the second Elliott victor, Chirico Vallis, he wasn't able to take up this engagement.
The opening Cullentra House Stables winner was Monbeg Notorious
O'Regan delivered the Tom Doran-owned Sanibel Island with typical efficiency, and the Scorpion gelding found what was required to beat Grand Partner by three and a half lengths.
Elliott said: "It's a great day again and I wish we had racing at Navan every week! He seemed to like that ground today and travelled away well on it.
"It's great for Tom Doran who has a few horses with us, and we'll look at the likes of Fairyhouse and Punchestown for him."
The previous winner, Chirico Vallis, was Elliott's 200th this season between Britain and Ireland.
(AM & EM)
