Hardy Diamond wins on rules debut on first start for Elliott Hardy Diamond, who snuck in as first reserve, made a winning start to her career under rules when scoring on her stable debut for Gordon Elliott in the Tom McCormack Memorial Cup Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan. Runner-up on her final point-to-point run for Denis Ahern in May, the five-year-old mare travelled well throughout under Danny Gilligan, before moving second after two out. Heading leader Be Fierce entering the straight, the 14/1 chance quickened right away on the run to the final flight. With the race in safekeeping jockey Danny Gilligan could afford at coast home late on for an easy eight-and-a-half length victory. “She'd had a few runs in point-to-points and was second on her latest start,” said Gilligan. “It was kinda a case of seeing what we made of her there today and she's done it quite well. “She's going to come on plenty fitness wise and mentally she's going to come on loads. I'm delighted with that.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
