Tata defects but Elliott still departs with a Clonmel brace

The year is slipping on but a lack of recent rainfall led to a number of ground-related withdrawals in the chases at Clonmel, with Gordon Elliott's red-hot favourite Missy Tata the most significant of three to be scratched from the mares' beginners' chase, her late withdrawal bringing about a reduction of 75 cents in the Euro to winning bets.

Conditions were deemed by some to be a little quick for winter types, although the official going o the chase course was good. Over flights it was a fraction slower, and Elliott's relentless juggernaut still departed with a 14-1 brace.

Stable debutant Mick Jazz hadn't run since disappointing in last year's Greatwood Hurdle for Harry Fry. The George Mahoney-owned five-year-old had previously been placed behind Old Guard and Top Notch, and, despite drifting from a 1-3 morning show to an SP of 9-10 here, he duly broke his duck in the maiden hurdle with the minimum of fuss under Barry Geraghty.