'He was deadly' - unbeaten Elliott ace impresses greatly on chasing debut

Tuesday: Fairyhouse

Gordon Elliott produced more compelling evidence of the wealth of novice chase talent at his disposal when Gerri Colombe maintained his unbeaten record in the 2m5f beginners' chase.

Elliott must have done a double take when he saw the strength of the opposition, including as it did Grade 2 novice hurdle winner Bronn, Grade 3 novice hurdle winner Shantreusse and Galmoy Hurdle winner Sams Profile, but the Robcour-owned son of Saddler Maker produced a bold jumping performance under Jack Kennedy to hold off Bronn by a bit more than the two-and-three-quarter-length margin of victory would suggest.

"He was deadly," said Kennedy to Elliott as they came back in, maybe a little more audibly than intended. Elliott was typically low key in his post-race assessment, but with this horse, Three Stripe Life, Mighty Potter and a few more to come, there must be plenty of excitement at Cullentra.

He said: "That was a good performance and he's a horse we like. He had a good blow afterwards and Jack said he'll come on for it."

It was Gerri Colombe's first run since winning a novice hurdle at Thurles in January, which gave him a record of four out of four in bumpers and over hurdles.

Elliott added: "The ground was a bit quick for him at Thurles and he came home a bit sore, so we minded him because we knew he was going to be a chaser. He could go to Limerick at Christmas, where he will probably get his ground."

Paddy Power cut the winner to 7-1 (from 16) for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Harmonya calls the tune

The first leg of a treble for Elliott and a double for Kennedy came in the opening mares maiden hurdle, in which Harmonya Maker produced an impressive jumping and galloping performance from the front.

Another progeny of Saddler Maker, the winner was introduced at 10-1 by Paddy Power for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Elliott said: "She's a nice mare with plenty of improvement in her and Jack said she'll come on for it. She jumped great. She's a big mare and she'll jump fences in time. I would say we could go anywhere with her on soft ground over two and a half miles."

Elliott completed his treble when Harry Swan partnered Search For Glory to victory in the bumper.

Hoke grabs the glory

The ladies grabbed the glory in the second running of the Ireland v Britain qualified riders' challenge, named in memory of the late Lorna Brooke. The Brian McMahon-trained Hoke Colburn under Maxine O'Sullivan made most to win from the Gina Andrews-ridden favourite Temptationinmilan.

O'Sullivan said: "It’s a lovely race in memory of Lorna Brooke. Peter Roe and Fairyhouse are brilliant to put this on and he puts a huge effort into it. We're delighted to be a part of it and support it."

Results, replays, analysis

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday