Elliott reaches 150 for the season after sharing double with Kennedy Jalon D’oudairies completed a double for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy when readily justifying prohibitive odds in the Cavan Developments Supporting Kill GAA Maiden Hurdle at Naas. The Gigginstown-owned gelding was a smart sort in bumpers winning twice and finishing third behind Jasmin De Vaux at the Cheltenham Festival in 2024. He returned after a lengthy absence when runner-up twice over hurdles before landing odds of 1/10 in this extended 2m2f event. The seven-year-old made all and took command from two out, stretching further clear on the run-in to beat Healys Pub by 27 lengths. Umpire’s Call was a further five and a half lengths back in third. Elliott said, “He had good form; he hasn’t been the easiest horse to train but I’d say he’s in a good place there at the moment. “I liked the way he went from the last to the line, even though it wasn’t the strongest race in the world. “That’s our 150th winner of the year in Ireland. It’s another milestone and it’s important. The horses are running well, we’ve a good bunch, and Jack is riding out of his skin as well.” The winner holds entries in the Turners and Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdles at Cheltenham and Elliott added, “I’ll talk to Michael and Eddie. We also have Fairyhouse and there is prize money to be won in Ireland as well. “To be fair he was placed in a Cheltenham bumper. He’s a very good horse but he just had plenty of problems. Jack said it wasn’t a great race, but he gave him a good feel.” Paddy Power cut the winner into 25/1 (from 40/1) NRNB for the Albert Bartlett. Elliott and Kennedy also successfully teamed up earlier on the card with Highland Crystal (11/8). Quotes by Gary Carson
