Felix Desjy leads home Cask Mate© Photo Healy Racing
Felix Desjy completed a treble at Down Royal for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud, as he took the concluding Killyhevlin Hotel INH Flat Race.
Successful for Eddie Hales in a point-to-point at Dromahane in March, the French bred son of Maresca Sorrento followed-up in impressive fashion in a bumper at Punchestown last month.
Backed from 8/13 to 4/9 on-course, the chestnut four-year-old was sent straight to the front by Patrick Mullins.
He was headed a furlong and a half out by Cask Mate and needed to be ridden out inside the final furlong to regain the lead, going on to prevail by a length and a half.
Cask Mate, who was returned at 7/2 chance, had to settle for second under Nina Carberry for Noel Meade, while Thurles winner Holding Pattern was a further five and a half lengths back in third.
Patrick Mullins said afterwards: "He's a proper horse. I had gone too slow on him and couldn't pull him up after the line. If I knew him better, I probably would have let him just roll on from the start.
"Instead of going an even gallop, I probably would have gone a bit harder on him. Gordon could go wherever he wants with him.
"The way he galloped I'd say he'll get a trip no problem. Like I said, I couldn't pull him up after the line which suggests he want further.
"It's great to get a winner for Gordon, Willie (Mullins) is in Melbourne so don't tell Willie!"
Davy Condon added: "He's very smart and he's learning the whole time. Patrick said he's still learning.
"We thought after he won in Punchestown that he was just showing the signs that he was just a galloper, and Gordon was going to go over hurdles with him, but he has shown a lot of improvement since Punchestown.
"He's not a slow horse at all. He quickened up with Noel's (Cask Mate) and took a while to pull up so he's really a horse to look forward to. Patrick said we could win another bumper if we want to. He's only four and is one for the future so he's not one to do too much with this year."
Elliott and Gigginstown were earlier successful with Poli Roi and Tombstone
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards received a report from Mr H.T Hynes , Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that Mr T. Reilly , rider of Endless Refrain , weighed in at 1.2 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. T. Reilly was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore cautioned him on this occassion having considered his previous record in this regard.
The Stewards interviewed Mr N. McParlan, rider of Dolly's Destination, in relation to an incident on his way down to the start where he was dislodged from his mount and struck him twice in the ribcage. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr. N. Mc Parlan was in breach of Rule 272 in that his conduct was prejudicial to the good reputation of horseracing. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Stewards suspended Mr. N. McParlan for 5 racedays.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
