Superb Floueur the centrepiece of Clonmel treble for red-hot Gordon Elliott yard

Thursday: Clonmel

Gordon Elliott’s excellent form continued at Clonmel with a treble from Santonito, Floueur and Womalko, taking his tally to 18 winners in 15 days.

Floueur was a comprehensive 14-length winner of the featured Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan Hurdle over three miles.

“He went well, jumped great and loved the ground,” said the 5-1 winner's rider Davy Russell. “He ran in the Munster National and made a mistake. Gordon wisely put him back over hurdles and he seemed to enjoy it today. He was able to hold his place quite easily.”

Elliott struck first with 6-5 favourite Santonito in the 2m3f maiden hurdle, albeit with some good fortune. The race looked certain to be heading to the Willie Mullins-trained Sir Argus but he fell two out, leaving Santonito to fight back under Jamie Codd for a half-length win from Eye Van.

“He battled hard,” said Lisa O’Neill, assistant to Elliott. “Jamie’s quite happy with him. He thinks he might be a real stayer at three miles over fences. It’s nice for him to get the win over hurdles. He’s been consistent.”

The JP McManus-owned Womalko also battled hard in the 2m2f novice handicap chase under Sam Ewing to see off Carrolls Cottage by half a length.

“We weren’t too sure for a long time,” admitted McManus’s racing manager Frank Berry. “We were surprised he came under pressure so far out, but in fairness he did enough.

“He handles the ground and will go furthe. Sam gave him a lovely ride. He’s up and coming and doing well.”

Super for Ted

Willie Mullins’ Henn See, making his chase debut on his first outing since winning a maiden hurdle at Limerick last Christmas, fell two out, leaving it open for the Eoin Griffin-trained Jody Ted to take the 2m beginners' chase at 14-1.

“I think he had him beaten anyway,” said Griffin. “He’s done well to come back from injury. We’ll see what mark he gets and send him to a rated novice chase.”

Target bang on

Harry Kelly’s 5-1 shot Hard Target was an impressive winner of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle over 2m3f, seeing off Lake Chad by nine and a half lengths under Cian Quirke.

“We’re delighted,” said Kelly. “He’s been unlucky. I said to Cian he’d be better kept wide and for the better ground. It worked out a treat. I’m delighted for the owners, Tom Farrell and his family. They’ve been very loyal.”

Results, replays and analysis

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