Ellabella (near side) just holds on from Clatter Bang © Photo Healy Racing
The second split of the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap saw 11/2 joint favourite Ellabella make all the running to gain her first success at the thirteenth attempt.
The Andrew McNamara-trained filly was soon in front from a wide draw and raced keenly early on as she built up a handy advantage. It looked like she might have done too much to last home but, having come over to the stands’ side in the straight, she just managed to hold on from the fast-finishing Clatter Bang who was the other 11/2 joint favourite.
A head was the margin of victory with another length back to third home Final Fantasy (22/1).
Winning rider Conor Maxwell remarked: “She had a good run here the last day and the step up in trip really suited her. She likes this surface, her best runs are here.
"It wasn't the plan to go as far forward as I did but she just took me and I was able to fill her up. She stayed going and got to the line well enough, she just lasted it out.
“We had a bad draw and I said to Andy earlier on if you take her back she's not quick enough to get you into the race so our best option was to let her roll and see if we can let her settle herself.
“She has a tendency to hang a bit right if you fight with her. We just got into a lovely rhythm, and we lasted it out, so it worked out good.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
