Battleoverdoyen begins much anticipated chasing career for Gordon Elliott

1.40 Galway
Derrygimlagh Bog Irish EBF Beginners Chase | 2m6½f | 4yo+ | RTV

Battleoverdoyen, a Grade 1 novice hurdle winner in January, faces nine rivals on his chasing debut at Galway.

The Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old was two from three over hurdles last season and achieved his top-level success when landing the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle at Naas in January, before disappointing when favourite at the Cheltenham Festival.

Elliott, who is also represented by Galvin, has long regarded the Gigginstown House Stud-owned Batteoverdoyen as an ideal chasing type and regards him as one of his more exciting novice prospects this season.

Battleoverdoyen: unbeaten before pulling up at the Cheltenham festivalCredit: Patrick McCann

Elliott said: “Battleoverdoyen is a massive horse and we’re really looking forward to getting him started over fences. He jumped very well when we schooled him after racing at Punchestown last week and is in good form.

“Cheltenham just didn’t happen for him. He didn’t travel over very well and was never going in the race. Jack [Kennedy, rider] wisely pulled him up.”

With Kennedy out of action due to injury, Keith Donoghue takes over on Battleoverdoyen.

Galvin, the mount of Davy Russell, is the winner of five races from seven starts and was last seen finishing sixth in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle – the same race in which Battleoverdoyen was pulled up – at Cheltenham in March.

Galvin winner of a 2m novice hurdle under Davy Russell at AyrCredit: Grossick Photography

"Galvin has been schooling well," Elliott said of the Ronnie Bartlett-owned five-year-old.

The opposition to the Elliott-trained pair includes Cap York, who was in front when falling two out on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse this month. Darragh O'Keeffe partners the Noel Meade-trained seven-year-old.

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