Benz scores for Gordon Elliott© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott's Benz stayed on best to win the opening Frank King Memorial Maiden Hurdle in Tramore at odds of 15/2 (from 11/1). Dixie Flyer was the subject of support this morning, but was in trouble in the final half mile as he gave up the lead on the run to the second-last. Old Bill Barley the easy-to-back 6/4 favourite, assumed the lead but was soon pressed by a pushed along Benz on his inner.
The race unfolded two out where Old Bill Barley was less than fluent which enabled Benz to grab the lead. The favourite didn't find after that error and wasn't foot perfect at the last.
Benz jumped it well and was driven out to account for a staying-on Game Beaaa (66/1) by half a length. Old Bill Barley dropped two and a quarter lengths back to third.
Jockey Jordan Gainford said: "I had never ridden him before. A sharp trip like this suited him, he jumped well and did it well.
"He might get further going forward and he liked that good ground today."
This was Benz's third run in a maiden hurdle having finished eighth at this track in June and sixth in Cork at the start of the month. He was unplaced in nine outings on the Flat.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
