Banks Boy (left) © Photo Healy Racing
The 8/11 favourite Banks Boy landed the Northern Ireland On-Course Bookmakers Association Maiden Hurdle.
The Getaway gelding, whose previous best effort was when second in a Navan handicap in January, was in front when he missed the third-last but he made the best of his way home from that point. Champ De Gane looked a big threat on the run to the last but was green and uncoordinated on the run-in as the market leader saw him off by a length and three-quarters with No Trouble a further eighteen lengths away in third.
The winner was completing a quick double for in-form pair Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy.
Elliott said: "He was unlucky not to win one day in Navan. He probably wants a bit further (than this).
"Jack is riding very well and he is a big part of my team. You know he'll give it everything (when you see him working on one). I'm delighted for him.
"He might be one that could head over to the UK for a novice hurdle."
Quotes from Gary Carson
