Rue Taylor denies Elliott of a quick treble Gordon Elliott was denied a quick treble, as Rue Taylor (10/1) outstayed his Machismo in the Wexford Racecourse Supporters Club Rated Novice Hurdle. The winner of a bumper at Hexham when in the care of Toby Bulgin, the French bred victor subsequently changed hands. Second on debut for current connections here in October, the Paul Nolan-trained five-year-old was later awarded that contest after the winner tested positive for a prohibited substance. Fourth on his first try in handicap company at Punchestown in February, the Ann Coffey and Susan Spence-owned bay was given a patient ride today. Pushed along in rear from three out, she got a dream run through on the inner turning for home and soon went second. Ridden to challenge before the last, where she was far from fluent, she soon edged by the aforementioned Machismo (10/1) and kept on well from there to score by two and a half lengths. Returned at 12s, The Story So Far was 12-lengths back in third, while Birmingham Alabama (7/2f) was a length away in fourth. "She won a bumper in England and was second in a maiden hurdle here in the autumn. The winner of that race was disqualified and she got the race," James Nolan, assistant trainer to his brother Paul, explained. "We ran her in a couple of the wrong races after that and I thought today's race would suit her. Even though she was a couple of pounds wrong in the ratings, I just thought everything about the race suited her. "We'll put her away now, she's a weak filly and will improve next year. She'll go out now."
