Smiling Eliza and Jack Kennedy pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Smiling Eliza deservedly got off the mark on her third try over flights, as she comfortably took the opener at Down Royal, the Allied Bakeries 3yo Maiden Hurdle.
Second on her first two efforts at Roscommon and Killarney, the Gordon Elliott trained bay was expected to go one place better today, going off the 11/10 favourite in the colours of the Gordon Elliott Racing Club.
In front from three out, she hit the next, but soon extended her advantage, going on to score easily by six and a half lengths.
Newcomer Hannon finished second at 33/1 under Conor Maxwell for Jessica Magnier, while Lever Du Soleil (16s this morning and from 11s to 7s on-course) was another six and a half lengths back in third.
Elliott said afterwards: "The horses are running well and everything is going in. She's honest and you know she mightn't be the fastest thing we have in the yard but she tries and she jumps great.
"We'll keep her going and she will mix and match it.
"The other lad (Viscount Wilson who finished fourth) will be alright and he'll do his job."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the early stages of this race involving Lever Du Soleil (FR), ridden by A.E. Lynch and Viscount Wilson (GB), ridden by D.N. Russell, where it appeared that Lever Du Soleil ran short of room on the rails. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.
D.N. Russell, rider of Viscount Wilson (GB) trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran very green.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
