Exciting Brighterdaysahead (2/1f) maintained her unbeaten record with a Grade 3 success in Down Royal's Irish EBF Feathard Lady (Mares) Novice Hurdle today, as her trainer Gordon Elliott scooped the opening three races.

A dual bumper winner and successful on hurdling debut when jumping left at Thurles last month, the daughter of Kapgarde blundered at an early flight today and again jumped slightly left at times but won readily from experienced 127-rated Banntown Girl

Elliott said "it happened that quick for the first mile that she didn't know what she was doing as they were going that fast but, once she got into her rhythm, he (Jack Kennedy, jockey) said he was very happy with her.

"She has no experience but has a fair engine. She's a proper mare, still has a lot to learn and is still very green. The rest of the field has two or three runs over hurdles, so I thought it was a good performance.

"She has got the pace for two miles but I'd say she will be better when she goes further and could definitely step up in trip. She hasn't put a foot wrong so far, so she is exciting."

Elliott, whose earlier winners were Zefiro Dodville and Hunting Brook added "she is in everything and we'll see, we won't rule anything out at the moment. She's in the Royal Bond (Grade 1 at Fairyhouse) and obviously I will talk to Michael and Eddie (O'Leary) and see but I think we will keep her in her own category at the moment."

Quotes from Michael Graham