Sassy Yet Classy less than fluent at the last but wins nicely© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott's Sassy Yet Classy drew away from her rivals to comfortably win the extended two mile seven Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle in Punchestown.
She arrived on the scene full of running entering the home straight and swept past Whatsnotoknow before the last.
She kicked a few lengths clear as she negotiated it and, although she wasn't fluent, touched down on a good stride and kept on to win by three lengths at 14/1.
The places in this 20-runner contest were occupied by Elliott's Dallas Des Pictons (22/1), Whatsnotoknow (6/1) and De Name Escapes Me at 25/1 in second, third and fourth respectively.
Elliott said: “She’s done it well. I thought the ground wasn’t soft enough to be honest and Conor (Maxwell) gave her a great ride.
“The lads (A P Partnership) travelled up from Tralee so I’m delighted that she’s won for them.
“She might go over fences while Dallas Des Pictons and Folcano ran well and could be two for the Final at Cheltenham.”
Elliott also saddled Mr Fred Rogers to win the preceding race on the card - the extended two mile five maiden hurdle. He was on the mark in Cork with Hamundarson
The Stewards interviewed S. O'Callaghan, rider of Whatsnotoknow, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the whip rules and added that he had miscounted the amount of times he had used his whip. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that S. O' Callaghan was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (g) (frequency), and having considered his record in this regard suspended S. O' Callaghan for six race days in accordance with Regulation 10.6 (a).
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
