Gordon Elliott and Jamie Codd struck for important winners in their quest to end the season at the top of their respective trees as Fayonagh led home a 1-3 for Cullentra House Stables in the Grade 1 Racing Post Champion I.N.H. Flat Race at Punchestown.

A top level double for Elliott on the programme, after Champagne Classic s earlier victory under Bryan Cooper in the Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle, Fayonagh added even more members to her fan club following on from her Cheltenham heroics.

Solerina's relative is really keeping the family name up in lights and here she reverted to the from the front tactics that took her to wins at Naas and Fairyhouse previously. Paloma Blue (Henry de Bromhead and Davy Roche) and Poli Roi (Elliott and Katie Walsh) tried their cases in the straight but they couldn't match the supremely talented winner who passed the post with five and a half lengths and seven lengths in hand.

A special mare - Cheltenham Festival winner Fayonagh follows up in fine style in the Champion I.N.H Flat Race at @punchestownrace: pic.twitter.com/pr2MUDfMRt

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 26, 2017

"She looks very good. We don't gallop her a lot at home as she's very buzzy. She does all her work on the track," said Elliott.

"Jamie (Codd) bought her, he rode her and so big thanks have to go to him.

"We've schooled her at home and she's very good at jumping.

"I expect we'll put her away now and keep her to go jumping hurdles. If I have my way that's what she'll do anyway.

"She's fairly honest and she tries for you but she's a buzzy little thing. A summer's grass will do her the world of good."

Meanwhile Codd explained: "She won a bumper for Richie Rath — a couple of Wexford lads owned her.

"She won at Naas and then she went to Tatts Cheltenham sale and the owners, the Gittins family, asked me to pick out a filly for them.

"I think she cost about sixty four thousand and she's turning out cheap now I'd suppose.

"She's a very very good filly — there's no end to her.

"She's a relentless galloper and she has a little bit of a gear. When you have a good mare you want to keep a hold of her — she's exceptional.

"It's great for the Gittins and it's great for Gordon going forward next year. She could make into a nice novice hurdler for next year."

Paddy Power go 5/1 Fayonagh first show for the mares novice hurdle at Cheltenham 2018.

(AM & EM)