Cardcounter digs deep for gutsy novice win Cardcounter showed a great attitude and plenty reserves of stamina to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle over an extended 2m6f at Navan. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding has now won both completed starts over hurdles having also landed a Punchestown maiden last month. The 7/2 shot was sent to the front from the start by Danny Gilligan but faced a number of challengers between the final two flights notably Blue Mosque who loomed up to take a narrow lead at the last. However, Cardcounter really dug deep on the final climb to the line and kept on strongly to beat Blue Mosque by a length and a quarter. The 2/1 favourite Butch Cassidy finished a further length and three-quarters away in third. Elliott said, “He’s a nice horse, a good honest horse and stays well. He stayed going well and showed a good attitude. “There might not be much left for him. That could be it for the year, we’ll see. “He could be a proper staying chaser on soft ground next year.” Quotes by Gary Carson
