An Mhi leads Misty's Gift over the last© Photo Healy Racing
An Mhi completed a quick double for Gordon Elliott, as he easily justified odds-on favouritism in McHale Fusion 4 Range Maiden Hurdle.
Having twice filled the runner-up spot last season, the Walk In The Park six-year-old finished ninth of 17 behind Gaelic Warrior on his most recent start in a competitive Grade B contest at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Upped in trip this evening and fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time, the bay victor was sent off at 5/6 and raced in a share of the lead under Keith Donoghue.
He established a definite advantage before the final flight and eased clear on the run-in, coming home seven lengths to the good.
Returned at 7/2, Misty's Gift finished second under Denis O'Regan for Harry Kelly, while Zettabyte (16/1), also trained by Elliott, was another 10 lengths away in third.
"It's nice to get his head in front. He was second in a point-to-point so we knew he'd stay and he handled the ground well," Elliott said.
"He has plenty of experience and we'll keep him going for the summer now."
STEWARDS REPORT
S.W. Flanagan, rider of Seriously Ava trained by Una Corcoran, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled and subsequently pulled up.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
