Bumper star Fayonagh heads Elliott trio to note on hurdling debut

Fayonagh

Gordon Elliott's star bumper mare of last season, when she completed the Cheltenham-Punchestown Grade 1 double, returns to action at Fairyhouse on Saturday as she makes her debut over hurdles in the 2m maiden (3.25).

Davy Russell teams up with the six-year-old, who faces 15 rivals, and Elliott said on Friday: "She's been schooling well, touch wood.

"It's her first race since the Punchestown festival and she'll come on for the run, but she's in good form and we're happy with her and looking forward to starting her off."

Tombstone

This dual hurdles winner, who beat Jezki in the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park in February, is another Elliott-Russell representative trying something new.

The seven-year-old makes his debut over fences in the 2m beginners' chase (1.45) in which he faces 11 rivals, including the Willie Mullins-trained Bamako Moriviere, who was a long way clear when falling at the final fence at Listowel last month.

Elliott said: "Tombstone's ready to roll. His schooling's gone well and, while he'll benefit from the run, he's going there in good order.

Shattered Love

Another smart Elliott-trained hurdler from last season when her three victories included a 13-length win in a Grade 3 event over this course. She faces six rivals in the 2m5f mares' beginners' chase (2.15).

The six-year-old daughter of Yeats will be making her debut over fences and her trainer said: "She's in good form and we've been pleased with the way she's schooled. If she can run to anything like her hurdles form then she'll have to be there or thereabouts."

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