Gerri Colombe and Jordan Gainford © Photo Healy Racing
Gerri Colombe provided Jordan Gainford with a first Irish Grade 1 winner today, as the jockey gained retribution in Limerick's featured Guinness Faugheen Novice Chase for a narrow defeat in 2021.
Gerri Colombe, undefeated in six previous runs, faced a trio of Willie Mullins-trained geldings, including top bumper horse Kilcruit but none could land a blow against the Gordon Elliott-trained Gerri Colombe.
Jumping well, the son of Saddler Maker maintained a clear lead from the second-last, beating Mullins' trio Adamantly Chosen Kilcruit and Authorized Art into second, third and fourth places respectively.
Gainford, agonisingly defeated by a nose in 2021, bagged a first Grade 1 on Shark Hanlon's Hewick in October's Grand American Hurdle and today reported “it is unbelieveable and firstly I want to thank Gordon and Robcour (owners).
“The first day I walked into Gordon's he looked after me and he had the confidence to put me up today. Last's year's defeat was something I didn't want to happen again and a big thank you to Jack Kennedy too as he told me about the horse and how to ride him.”
He added “his jumping was brilliant and for a novice to do what he did, was very good. Future plans will be left to Gordon but the one thing he loves is soft ground and he had that today.”
Elliott's assistant Ian 'Busty' Amond added "it is great for Jordan and with the likes of Davy (Russell) retiring it opens doors for those lads. They have to step up and do it and he did it but he had the horse too.
"He loves that ground, Jordan said he was unbelievable to jump and did it well. He is laid back but keeps doing what he is doing and is six from six now. It is great for Robcour who put a lot of money into the game so it is important to get days like this.
"He is a right horse going forward, he has got his Grade 1 win now and would have no bother stepping up to three miles but well see what Gordon thinks."
The high profile win was one of four Elliott trained winners on the day, having earlier had another Limerick winner, along with bumper successes at Down Royal and Leopardstown.
