Elliott on the mark at Ballinrobe Expensive purchase Hollymount was a welcome winner for trainer Gordon Elliott at Ballinrobe today, landing the opening Bowers Bar & Restaurant (Mares) Maiden Hurdle for owners Bective Stud and jockey Jordan Gainford. A £300,000 purchase following a Carlisle bumper win in 2020, the daughter of Jet Away today received a reminder in mid-field at halfway but made good progress in the final half mile and eventually held on for a half-length win over 50/1 chance Spick And Span. Elliott sent out just one winner, at Ayr, from 85 runners since Delta Work's Cheltenham Cross Country Chase win on March 16 and included yesterday's controversial disqualification of Pied Piper from an Aintree Grade 1 juvenile hurdle. At Ballinrobe, Elliott's assistant Ian Amond reported “we’ve had plenty of placed horses lately so it’s nice to get another winner. “Jordan said they went a good gallop and she settled great, which was good as she can be keen. She stayed at it well when she needed to in the straight. “She battled away and stuck her neck out which was great to see. If she continues to settle as well as that, she’ll have no problem going a bit further.” Regarding tomorrow's Aintree prospects, he added “all the Grand National horses (seven) have each-way chances. Maybe Run Wild Fred might be the best of them but it’s hard to pick out one.” Quotes from Mark Nunan
