Broughtons a Star once again Strong-travelling Broughtons Star was driven out by Davy Russell to land Sligo’s two mile handicap hurdle for Gordon Elliott. The 10-year-old gelding moved powerfully in fifth after the third last and took closer order at the penultimate flight. The 9/2 joint favourite was pushed along to third at the last and then improved to hit the front inside the final 100 yards. From there, he was driven out to win by a length from a rallying Effernock Lad (8/1) who dictated the pace throughout. “His run here the last day was good and we fancied him today because of that. Obviously he has a liking for the track,” assistant trainer Davy Condon said. “He's a bit of a monkey and Davy knows him well. He even said afterwards that he knew we'd get a race out of him alright. “Today suited him and with the easier ground he was able to ride him where we wanted him. He takes a bit of coaxing and tricking along and Davy is the right man on board for that. “It's good to get a win out of him because he's a bit quirky. Hopefully he'll win another one.” It had been a long time between drinks for Broughton’s Star as his only other victory came in November 2010 in a Huntingdon bumper when trained by Willie Musson. He had been placed seven times in the intervening years, though. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
