Cottrell finally gets there Elusive Ice, the subject of a good mention from Eddie Lynam on a recent Attheraces feature, went off the odds-on favourite for the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Maiden but she had no answer at Dundalk to the eleven times previously tried Cottrell. With the tongue-strap and visor combination deployed on the Acclamation gelding for the second time, the 4/1 shot (2nd fav) was never far away. Leading a furlong and a half out, Cottrell was soon looking a winner and he went on to gain the day by a length and a quarter from the aforementioned Elusive Ice (8/11). Chris Hayes rode the victorious three-year-old for Caren Walsh and Davy Brennan and trainer Kevin Prendergast. Up for a forthcoming HRI Award in the outstanding achievement category (made the Group 1 breakthrough on the double this term) Hayes explained: "They've been very patient owners and they've been rewarded. "He seems to like it up here and the boss always felt that this was his trip." F.M. Berry, rider of Mianya Return, trained by William J. Fitzpatrick, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount came off the bridle before turning into the home straight, lost her action and started to hang and was eased thereafter. (AM & EM)
