'Gordon had no doubt that she would stay' - Elliott's Daphne Moon claims feature

Wednesday: Perth

Perth has become a happy hunting ground for Gordon Elliott and he enhanced his fantastic record thanks to a quickfire double in the two mares’ events.

The County Meath trainer sent five horses to the Scottish track for the start of the three-day festival and landed the feature 3m Fair Maid Of Perth Mares’ Chase with Daphne Moon.

The seven-year-old, who had not won over fences before, had a fair amount to find on the ratings with the market leaders Pink Legend and Zambella, 16lb and 13lb respectively, but ran out a comfortable eight-length victor under Sean Bowen.

“Gordon had no doubt that she would stay," Bowen said. "We didn’t go mad quick, I was happy to just let my mare warm up and when she warmed up she jumped nicely, she stays very well.

“Daryl was obviously cautious that his mare was stepping up in trip, I didn’t want to force my mare but when she warmed up she came good.

Bowen and Elliott doubled up with Getaway GoldieCredit: John Grossick

“It’s a nice place to bring a horse that doesn’t have a lot of experience – lovely fences round here, lovely track. Hopefully over three miles there’s improvement to come.”

The pair doubled up in the next race when Getaway Goldie stormed up the run-in to pip the wandering Island Mahee on the line under a strong Bowen drive in the mares’ handicap hurdle.

“It’s a good track [for me],” Bowen added. “I’ve ridden plenty of winners for Gordon, Dad and plenty of other people up here, so I enjoy coming up.”

Results, replays and analysis

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