High-class Pied Piper leads home Gordon Elliott treble and ends long losing run with winning chase debut

Pied Piper ticked another box in his colourful career when he ended a long losing streak on his debut over fences in the 2m4f beginners' chase.

The Gordon Elliott-trained eight-year-old was a top-class hurdler and also finished second in the 2023 Cesarewitch on the Flat and ran at Royal Ascot. 

His chasing bow was not flawless, with mistakes including when banking the second-last, however he ultimately won easily by 20 lengths for his first victory since winning a Grade 2 hurdle at the track in November 2022.

Winning rider Danny Gilligan told Racing TV: "He was a bit sketchy throughout, but has lots of class and will come on mentally for that, so I'm very happy. He was entitled to go through it very easily, but hopefully his jumping will sharpen up a lot.

"I was full of horse, and getting his head in front will do his confidence the world of good."

Pied Piper was the middle leg of a treble for Elliott and Gilligan kicked off by Howdoyalikeherhome's victory in the 2m6f novice handicap hurdle, which came less than 24 hours after he had finished fourth at Bellewstown. Sea Aster completed the haul when denying stablemate Wine An Dine in the 3m2f handicap chase.

Surprise Act

Benjamin Kennedy continued his career-best campaign when Circus Act was a surprise scorer by two and a half lengths in the 2m4f handicap hurdle. The 11-1 shot was also a welcome winner for trainer James Nash, who ended a 471-day and 59-run drought.

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